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THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


Eoofec  fap  ;f  tire.  3  tame  <25ottH  Lincoln 


MARJORIE'S  QUEST.    For  Young  People.    Illus 
trated.     12010,  $1.50. 

A  GENUINE  GIRL.     i6mo,  f  1.25. 

AN  UNWILLING  MAID.     Illustrated.     i6mo,  #1.25. 

A  PRETTY  TORY.     Illustrated.    Mino,  $1.50. 

HOUGHTON,  MIFFLIN  AND  COMPANY, 
BOSTON  AND  NEW  YORK. 


f.ERALDINE 


A  Pretty  Tory 


Being  a  Romance  of  Partisan 
Warfare  during  the  War  of  Inde 
pendence  in  the  Provinces  of  Geor 
gia  and  South  Carolina,  Relating 
to  Mistress  Geraldine  Moncriffe 

By  JEANIE  GOULD  LINCOLN 

Author  of  "  Marjorie1!  Quest,'1''  "  A  Genuine  Girl,"  "An 
Unwilling  Maid"  etc.,  etc. 


Say,  pretty  Tory,  coy  as  fair, 
Of  the  King's  colors  be  you  'ware, 
When  in  those  eyes  of  heaven's  own  hue 
Reluctant  smiles  the  rebel  blue! 


BOSTON   AND   NEW  YORK 
HOUGHTON,  MIFFLIN  AND    COMPANY 

s#,  Cambri&0e 

1899 


COPYRIGHT,   1899,   BY  JEANIE   GOULD   LINCOLN 
ALL   RIGHTS   RESERVED 


F5 


To  G.  G.  L. 

The  story  was  planned  in  the  Long  Ago, 
With  a  merry  jest  and  a  smile, 

But  the  heart  we  knew  so  loving  and  true, 
Has  gone  Beyond  for  awhile. 

And  now,  on  some  leaf  as  you  turn  its  page, 

If  you  trace  an  ideal  fair, 
You  will  see  and  know  that  the  Long  Ago 

Has  been  tenderly  written  there  ! 

WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,  August  23, 1899. 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

L  ON  BOARD  H.  M.  S.  VIGILANT   ....  1 

n.  IN  MUSGROVE  SWAMP       .....  10 

<s>                III.  AN  OFFICER  OF  THE  KING         ....  22 

H- 

i-*-1                 IV.  AT  GLENMOIRA 40 

^  V.  UNEXPECTED  GUESTS 52 

VI.  GERALDINE'S  DISCOVERY 65 

ca  VII.  ROY'S  REFUSAL 77 

VIII.  ROSE'S  DILEMMA 91 

IX.  IN  MARION'S  CAMP 108 

^                   X.  A  CLEVER  RUSE 116 

tf>                 XI.  THE  MOTH  RETURNS  TO  THE  CANDLE        .        .  132 

>              XII.  "  SHE  WOULD  AND  SHE  WOULD  N'T  "        .        .  148 
o 

XIII.  LADY  DOLLY  ACCEPTS  THE  ROLE  OF  CONFI 

DANTE        165 

XIV.  UNDER  WHICH  COLORS 179 

3               XV.  ON  THE  TRAIL  OF  THE  SWAMP  Fox  .        .        .  189 

M;              XVI.  IN  THE  SALTPETRE  CAVES       ....  205 

XVII.  MARGOT  DOES  HER  DUTY 219 

XVIII.  AT  COWPENS 235 

XIX.  WHO  WINS? 249 

XX.  THE  REBEL  BLUE 259 


44723 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


PAOB 

GERALDINE Frontispiece 

A  GIRL'S  FACE  LOOKED  CAREFULLY  OUT  ....  20 

"  NOW  AND  ALWAYS  THE  HUMBLEST  OF  YOUR  SLAVES  "  130 

"  FAREWELL  "                                                                      .  230 


A  PRETTY  TORY 

CHAPTER  I 

ON    BOARD    H.    M.    S.    VIGILANT 

A  FAINT  pink  glow  crept  softly  up  on  the  hori 
zon  where  the  sky  and  water  met  off  the  Bay  of 
Savannah,  and  the  slight  mist  of  a  spring  morning 
lifted  slowly,  disclosing  the  ships  which  lay  at 
anchor  near  the  city.  Of  these  the  most  notice 
able  was  His  Majesty's  ship  Vigilant,  that  with 
her  consort,  the  Phrenix,  and  two  corvettes,  having 
arrived  in  port  the  night  before,  was  preparing  to 
land  the  troops  just  ordered  from  old  England 
upon  the  shores  of  her  rebellious  colonies. 

Below  decks,  the  men  were  busy  packing  their 
kits  and  making  ready  for  disembarking  as  the 
sailors  unswung  the  ship's  boats  from  the  davits. 
Then  the  roll  sounded  and  the  soldiers  formed 
a  line  on  deck,  and  their  officers  came  up  the 
companion-way,  accompanied  by  the  captain  of  the 
ship. 

"  I  have  to  thank  you  for  much  courtesy,  Cap 
tain  Thornton,"  said  Major  Sefton,  the  officer  in 
command.  "You  have  made  a  long  and  tedious 


2  A  PRETTY  TORY 

voyage  seem  short,  and  I  shall  surely  report  your 
kindness  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton." 

"Duty,  sir,  duty,"  returned  the  British  captain 
somewhat  gruffly,  "though  I  may  add,  pleasure 
also,  in  your  case  and  that  of  your  brother  officers. 
I  have  never  had  a  stouter  set  aboard  my  ship ;  I 
would  rather  land  you  at  Southampton,  however. 
These  American  rebels  are  a  pestilent  sort,  and 
fight  like  devils ;  your  men  and  you  are  too  good 
to  serve  as  targets  for  them." 

"  I  think  you  reverse  matters  somewhat  strangely, 
sir ;  we  came  to  seek  targets  for  our  bullets,  not  to 
serve  as  such,"  retorted  Sefton,  somewhat  angrily. 

"Nay,  I  meant  no  offense,  but  I  am  not  a 
stranger  to  these  shores,  as  you  are.  The  boats  are 
ready,  sir  ;  fare  you  well." 

Major  Sefton  touched  his  hat  in  grave  salute, 
and  was  about  to  descend  into  the  waiting  boat 
where  his  officers  were  already  seated,  when  a 
thought  struck  him  and  he  stepped  back  to  Captain 
Thornton's  side. 

"  Your  lady  passenger  "  —  he  said,  with  some 
what  heightened  color,  as  the  Captain  smiled  ;  "  do 
you  desire  me  to  bear  a  message  to  the  fort,  or 
have  you  already  " — 

"  Yes,"  answered  the  captain,  interrupting  him 
suddenly,  as  the  sun  threw  its  first  beams  across 
the  sparkling  blue  water,  disclosing  a  small  boat 
which  had  apparently  just  shoved  off  from  the 
shore ;  "  I  sent  Colonel  Moncriffe  word  an  hour 
after  we  had  dropped  anchor,  and  unless  I  mistake 


ON  BOARD   H.  M.  S.  VIGILANT  3 

yonder  boat  contains  him,  or  some  trusty  escort  for 
his  lovely  daughter." 

"  Then  will  you  say  to  Mistress  Moncriffe  "  — 

"  Do  not  hinder  Captain  Thornton  with  even  so 
slight  a  thing  as  your  message  of  farewell,"  said 
a  soft,  slow  voice  behind  them ;  "  he  is  a  most 
busy  officer  and  is  surely  relieved  to  find  that  his 
task  of  looking  after  a  troublesome  maid  is  almost 
over ; "  and  Geraldine  Moncriffe's  radiant  smile 
deprived  her  words  of  their  slight  sting  as  she  ex 
tended  a  slender  hand  to  the  somewhat  embar 
rassed  sailor.  "  What  good  fortune  is  mine  to 
come  safe  in  port,  with  such  near  prospect  of  see 
ing  my  beloved  and  honored  father  !  " 

"  And  that  fast  approaching  boat  is  fetching 
him  to  you,  madam ;  this,  then,  is  our  farewell," 
replied  Major  Sefton  as  the  captain  hurried  off 
to  the  ship's  side. 

"  Nay,  why  say  farewell  in  so  tragic  a  tone  ?  1 
am  but  going  to  my  father's  plantation,  a  short 
distance  from  Savannah,  and  the  officers  from  the 
fort  will  ever  be  welcomed  by  him.  Surely  Major 
Sefton  knows  that  the  American  loyalists  serve 
the  king  as  well  as  those  of  His  Majesty's  sub 
jects  who  have  the  good  fortune  to  be  born  on 
English  soil." 

"  I  can  believe  nothing  but  good  of  you  and 
yours,"  murmured  the  officer,  pressing  her  hand  as 
he  dropped  his  plumed  hat,  and  hurried  down  the 
side  of  the  ship  toward  the  waiting  boat.  Geraldine 
Moncriffe  drew  her  long  cloak  around  her,  and 


4  A  PRETTY  TORY 

leaned  ever  so  lightly  against  the  rail,  shading  her 
eyes  with  her  hand  as  she  gazed  anxiously  in  the 
direction  of  the  small  boat  which  she  had  been 
told  was  bringing  Colonel  Moncriffe  to  the  vessel. 

As  the  beams  of  the  now  risen  sun  struck  the  tall 
masts  of  the  Vigilant  and  fell  aslant  the  girl's  up 
raised  face,  there  could  be  but  one  opinion  as  to 
her  singularly  great  beauty.  It  was  not  so  much 
the  contour  of  her  face  and  form,  nor  even  the 
finely  cut  features,  but  her  coloring,  which  added 
to  her  unusual  and  striking  appearance,  and  gave 
her  an  air  of  much  distinction.  Her  skin  was 
extremely  fair,  and  the  tint  of  pink  in  her  cheeks 
was  like  the  heart  of  a  wild-rose,  while  her  eye 
brows  were  very  dark,  though  delicately  penciled. 
Her  hair,  from  which  her  hood  had  fallen  slightly 
back,  was  a  marvelous  wreath  of  color, —  a  red- 
golden,  rather  than  a  golden-red,  so  peculiar  in 
shade  that  once  seen  it  impressed  itself  upon  the 
imagination  from  its  striking  contrast  with  her 
eyes.  For  when  Geraldine  Moncriffe  lifted  her 
long,  dark  lashes,  there  flashed  upon  you,  instead 
of  the  brown  eyes  one  expected  to  see,  the  most 
expressive  pair  of  blue  ones  that  ever  adorned  a 
girl's  face,  —  eyes  at  once  frank,  tender,  bewitch 
ing,  haughty,  and  proud,  but  never  cold ;  and  it 
was  this  strange,  crowning  beauty  which  had  made 
her  the  toast  of  a  brief  London  season  as  "  the 
Blue  Bell  of  Scotland,  —  the  fair  Moncriffe." 

Faster  and  faster  came  the  little  boat  she  was 
watching  toward  the  vessel,  and  as  it  rocked  in  the 


ON  BOARD  H.  M.  S.  VIGILANT  5 

swell  caused  by  the  departing  troop  boats,  Geral- 
dine  saw  the  tall  cloaked  figure  sitting  in  the  stern 
raise  his  hand  to  shade  his  eyes  as  he  eagerly 
surveyed  the  ship's  side. 

"  I  am  here,  father,"  she  called,  and  the  clear, 
soft  voice  carried  well,  for  Colonel  Moncriffe  bared 
his  head  and  waved  his  hand  in  reply,  as  he  urged 
his  oarsmen  to  greater  speed,  while  Geraldine  sped 
lightly  along  the  deck,  just  in  time  to  see  her 
father  greet  Captain  Thornton  as  he  climbed  the 
ship's  companion-way ;  —  the  next  minute  she  was 
clasped  in  his  arms. 

"And  where  is  Margot?"  asked  the  colonel, 
surveying  his  daughter  with  proud  satisfaction  as 
she  stood  blushing  before  him ;  "  it  was  an  un 
precedented  bit  of  good  luck  which  enabled  me  to 
procure  passage  for  you  on  this  ship,  and  Lady 
Adair  only  obtained  it  through  the  very  highest 
influence  ;  but  since  this  pestilent  war  we  royalists 
must  chance  it  as  we  may,  and  I  rested  tranquil  in 
the  assurance  that  you  would  be  safe  under  charge 
of  Margot,  for  nothing  escapes  her  watchful  eyes." 

"  Here  she  is,"  said  Geraldine,  turning  toward 
the  tall,  gaunt  figure  who  had  quietly  followed  her 
down  the  deck  and  taken  a  position  just  behind 
them  in  time  to  hear  the  last  remark. 

"  My  grateful  duty  to  you,  Colonel  Moncriffe  ; 
the  night  wad  be  dark  and  the  day  long  that  didna 
see  auld  Margot  caring  for  her  pretty  bairn." 

"  Aye,  Margot,"  and  the  colonel  extended  his 
hand  to  the  fine-looking  Scotchwoman  who,  with 


6  A  PRETTY  TORY 

the  plaid  around  her  shoulders,  seemed  to  bring 
with  her  a  breath  from  the  hills  and  moors  of  his 
boyhood,  where  Margot's  mother  had  been  his 
foster-mother  as  well.  "  My  sister  said  I  needed 
no  better  guardian  than  you,  and  from  Geraldine's 
appearance  the  voyage  has  done  her  no  harm." 

"  We  have  had  favorable  winds  most  of  the  way, 
and  Captain  Thornton  thinks  us  good  sailors. 
Are  the  boxes  ready,  Margot  ?  I  am  impatient  to 
be  off,  father,  and  long  to  see  Glengarry  again." 

"  We  are  to  breakfast  at  the  fort,"  said  Colonel 
Moncriffe,  "  and  the  somewhat  chilly  air  gives  me 
a  sharp  appetite.  This  way,  then  ; "  and  he  con 
ducted  them  to  the  companion-way  where  Captain 
Thornton  was  waiting  to  make  his  farewell.  With 
a  light,  sure  foot  Geraldine  made  her  descent,  and 
Margot  clambered  after,  shutting  her  eyes  tight 
and  clinging  to  the  sailor  who  assisted  her  on 
board  the  little  boat  with  a  grasp  that  made  his 
fingers  tingle  with  reminiscence  for  some  minutes. 
Then  the  colonel,  uttering  courtly  thanks,  sprang 
down  beside  them,  and  the  boat  shoved  off,  while 
Geraldine  waved  adieu  to  the  good  ship  which  had 
brought  her  safe  to  port. 

Fort  Wayne  looked  grim  and  battered  in  the 
morning  sunshine  as  the  boat  sped  on  its  return 
trip  to  shore.  On  the  land  side  were  gangs  of 
negroes  busily  at  work  upon  the  fortifications 
which  had  suffered  so  severely  at  the  time  of  the 
siege,  some  months  before.  So  determined  and 
obstinate  had  been  the  attack  of  the  Americans, 


ON  BOARD  H.  M.  S.  VIGILANT  7 

that  the  bitterest  feeling  still  existed  among  the 
conquerors,  and  many  families  of  birth  and  position 
had  been  compelled  to  flee  from  the  city  in  various 
directions  by  the  victorious  British.  Indeed,  so 
greatly  incensed  were  the  invaders  that  they 
offered  a  reward  of  two  guineas  for  every  citizen 
known  to  adhere  to  the  cause  of  the  Whigs,  and 
the  country-folk  and  negroes  bringing  produce  and 
vegetables  into  Savannah  after  the  surrender  were 
forbidden  to  sell  except  to  those  who  had  taken 
the  oath  of  allegiance  to  King  George.  Had  it 
not  been  that  there  were  many  faithful  souls  who 
continued  to  supply  them  with  food,  even  under 
these  stringent  and  cruel  conditions,  the  little 
band  of  patriots  who  still  dared  occupy  their 
homes  would  have  suffered  starvation,  and  perhaps 
death. 

To  Geraldine,  coming  across  the  bay,  there  had 
been  few  more  charming  events  than  her  return 
to  the  land  of  the  palmetto.  Her  three  years'  ab 
sence  had  but  increased  her  love  for  her  native 
land,  where  she  grieved  sorely  that  rebellion  had 
broken  forth  against  the  authority  which  she  had 
been  taught  to  reverence  and  honor.  Even  in 
London,  when  her  aunts,  Lady  Adair  and  Lady 
Moncriffe,  had  presented  her  at  court  and  in  so 
ciety,  her  cheeks  would  flush  and  her  eyes  fire  at 
the  sneers  and  abuse  leveled  upon  the  colonists ; 
the  haughty  pride  which  her  father  had  always 
fostered  forbade  her  to  disown  her  country,  and 
deep  down  in  her  heart,  below  loyalty  to  king  and 


8  A  PRETTY  TORY 

crown,  there  smouldered  hot  resentment  which 
might  some  day  astonish  her  by  its  awakening. 

"Father,"  she  asked,  after  Colonel  Moncriffe 
had  pointed  out  the  havoc  made  by  shot  and  shell 
in  the  fort,  "your  letters  have  left  much  untold. 
What  of  my  friends  —  the  girls  I  loved  and  played 
with?  the  Daytons,  the  Houstons,  and  above  all 
my  dear,  lovely  Rose  Telfair?  For  some  cause 
unknown  to  me,  it  is  almost  a  year  since  I  have 
heard  from  Rose,  and  " 

"  Say  no  more,"  said  her  father  sternly,  "  for 
that  there  is  ample  reason.  The  Houstons  are 
here  ;  the  Daytons  gone  to  New  York ;  but  the 
Telfairs  are  the  most  pestilent  of  Whigs  and  reb 
els,  and  since  the  absence  of  his  father,  young 
Telfair,  it  is  said,  has  joined  Marion's  men  in  the 
partisan  warfare  which  is  a  disgrace  to  the  South." 

"  Marion's  men  ?  Nay,  father,  I  am  perfectly 
ignorant  of  whom  you  speak.  Who  is  Marion  ?  " 

"  The  '  Swamp  Fox,' 1  —  the  man  who  conducts 
a  band  of  cut-throats  and  thieves  in  irregular 
raids  upon  our  soldiers  at  most  unexpected  points ; 
who  is  hated,  and  I  must  admit  feared,  more  than 
any  other  in  the  rebel  ranks.  'T  is  a  disagreeable 
and  unprofitable  subject,  my  daughter.  Let  us 
dismiss  it,"  —  as  the  boat's  keel  grated  on  the 
land  below  the  fort,  —  "  and  with  all  my  heart  I 
bid  you  welcome  home  !  " 

So  busily  employed  was  the  colonel  in  assisting 
Geraldine  ashore,  that  he  did  not  see  a  bit  of 

1  The  name  given  Colonel  Marion  by  the  British. 


ON  BOARD   H.  M.  S.  VIGILANT  9 

quick  pantomime  which  took  place  on  the  boat  be 
hind  him.  As  Margot  rose  to  her  feet  the  oars 
man  nearest  her  drew  in  his  oar,  and  under  pre 
tense  of  guiding  her  steps,  laid  his  hand  upon  her 
arm.  Margot's  keen  blue  eyes  looked  swiftly  into 
his ;  and  under  her  plaid  he  passed  a  bit  of  gray 
moss,  and  as  her  fingers  closed  on  it  he  said  in  her 
ear,  "  To-morrow  night,  at  ten  !  "  , 


CHAPTER  II 

IN    MUSGROVE  SWAMP 
% 

"  HAVE  care,  sir ;  why  do  you  jostle  me  so  rudely  ? 
I  think  the  street  wide  enough  for  both  you  and 
me." 

"  I  crave  your  pardon,  sir  ;  I  am  sorely  troubled 
with  my  eyesight  and  am  usually  given  right  of 
way." 

The  street  was  long  and  narrow,  and  led  west 
erly  through  the  burned  and  deserted  section  of 
Savannah.  Beyond  the  winds  were  sighing  softly 
above  Musgrove  Swamp,  for  the  tide  was  running 
in,  and  with  no  moon  to  light  the  way,  all  that  the 
eye  could  see  in  the  starlight  was  an  expanse  of 
water  and  what  might  be  quicksand  to  any  but  one 
who  knew  the  locality  well. 

The  first  speaker  wore  a  British  uniform,  but 
his  manner  was  so  unusually  civil  that  the  other 
eyed  him  somewhat  keenly,  notwithstanding  his 
excuse  of  blindness.  The  officer  had  taken  a  hasty 
step  in  the  direction  of  the  city,  when  a  sudden 
reflection  made  him  pause. 

"  As  I  have  lost  my  way  once  I  may  do  so 
again  ;  can  you  inform  me  how  I  may  reach  the 
fort?" 


IN  MUSGROVE  SWAMP  11 

"  Yes,"  answered  a  slow,  drawling  voice,  as  a 
slouching  figure  revealed  itself  on  the  left  of  the 
first  speaker  ;  "  ef  yo'  keep  'long  to  the  right  till 
yo'  come  to  a  baker's  shop,  an'  just  beyond  that  a 
blacksmith's,  go  down  to  the  left  an'  yo'  '11  get 
there." 

"  I  am  obliged  to  you  ;  I  arrived  by  ship  to-day 
from  England  and  am  not  yet  familiar  with  your 
city  ; "  and  the  officer  was  presently  lost  to  sight 
in  the  darkness. 

"  He  will  hardly  reach  the  fort  before  morning 
if  he  follows  your  trustworthy  directions,"  said 
the  other  to  his  rustic  companion  as  they  resumed 
their  way,  picking  their  steps  carefully  in  order  to 
avoid  the  debris  of  the  ruins  around  them. 

"  But  he  will  be  well  on  the  way  to  Thunder 
bolt  unless  some  equally  veracious  wayfarer  come 
to  his  rescue.  'T  is  but  seldom  one  has  opportu 
nity  to  be-devil  a  Britisher  in  civil  fashion.  He 
seemed  a  trifle  more  courteous  than  usual." 

"  Aye  ;  that 's  because  he  has  but  just  landed 
and  has  no  experience  with  '  Yankee  curs.'  'Gad, 
it 's  dark,"  stumbling  over  an  obstruction  lying 
directly  across  the  foot-path  they  followed.  "  The 
place  of  meeting  should  not  be  very  far  distant 
now,  —  hark !  " 

A  low  note  of  the  whip-poor-will  sounded  softly 
to  the  left,  and  turning  suddenly  in  its  direction, 
the  pair  found  themselves  confronted  by  a  tall 
form  wrapped  in  an  Indian  blanket. 

"  Ossaba !  "    said  the    newcomer  softly.      The 


12  A  PRETTY  TORY 

rustic  pushed  his  companion  aside  quickly  as  he 
returned  the  countersign. 

"  Laceola  ;  where  are  the  others  ?  " 

The  Indian  made  no  response,  but  walked  swiftly 
and  steadily  on,  as  he  motioned  them  to  follow,  and 
presently  the  little  party  turned  past  a  tall  chimney 
which  had  apparently  formed  part  of  a  stone  house. 
To  this  there  still  remained  a  sort  of  vault,  or  cel 
lar,  and  at  the  entrance  stood  a  short,  stout  man, 
dressed  in  homespun. 

"  He  is  here,"  said  the  Indian,  drawing  back, 
and  the  whole  party  crawled  through  the  narrow 
opening  in  silence.  Inside  was  a  good-sized  room, 
its  walls  somewhat  damp,  which  showed  that  the 
tides  that  flooded  Musgrove  Swamp  had  sometimes 
penetrated  the  outskirts  of  the  city  itself.  A  pine- 
knot  torch  was  stuck  between  two  projecting  stones, 
and  its  flickering  light  disclosed  a  group  of  men, 
who  were  talking  earnestly  in  low  tones.  They 
started  apart,  at  the  sound  of  approaching  foot 
steps,  and  darting  forward  one  of  them  struck  the 
tall  stranger  on  the  shoulder. 

"  Welcome,  welcome,  McKay,"  he  exclaimed. 
"  We  have  expected  you  since  last  week,  when  one 
of  the  Legion  brought  your  message." 

"I  was  detained  on  the  way  and  lay  over  at 
Snow  Island." 

"  Then  you  bring  news  from  Colonel  Marion  ; 
how  fares  he,  and  the  cause  ?  " 

"  That  question  were  better  answered  by  an 
other,"  returned  Captain  McKay,  stepping  aside 


IN  MUSGROVE  SWAMP  13 

as  his  rustic  companion  dropped  his  cloak  and 
stood  erect  before  them. 

"  The  '  Swamp  Fox '  himself !  "  cried  the  eager 
speaker,  as  he  flung  his  arm  over  Marion's  shoul 
der,  while  every  man  pressed  forward  to  wring 
the  hand  of  the  famous  partisan  leader,  the 
"  Washington  of  the  South." 

The  little  gathering  of  ten  counted  some  of  the 
best  known  and  most  loyal  of  the  patriots  of  Geor 
gia;  tall,  muscular  men,  with  stern,  set  faces,  and 
of  military  carriage.  Among  them  the  small,  wiry 
form  of  Marion  seemed  almost  insignificant,  until 
you  gazed  into  his  eyes,  which  gleamed  beneath 
the  heavy  brows  with  the  fire,  acuteness,  and  un 
dying  determination  which  was  the  keynote  of 
his  character.  As  he  grasped  the  hand  of  each 
man  in  turn,  the  courtesy  of  his  manner  and  the 
genial  smile  of  friendly  recognition  gave  evidence 
of  the  kindly  heart  and  generous  qualities  which 
made  men  willing  to  follow  wherever  he  led,  and, 
if  need  be,  to  die  with  him  in  defense  of  their 
liberty. 

"  Gentlemen,"  said  Marion,  "  the  time  presses, 
for  I  am  somewhat  late  in  reaching  you.  You  see 
our  situation  ;  you  have  heard  of  the  battle  —  aye, 
more  than  battle  —  the  massacre  of  Waxham 
Creek,  when  Colonel  Tarleton  put  all  who  sur 
rendered  to  the  sword,  and  you  know  what  you 
yourselves  have  suffered  in  Savannah  and  the 
surrounding  country.  I  have  sworn  an  oath  to 
Almighty  God  that  while  the  heart  of  Marion 


14  A  PRETTY  TORY 

v 

beats  my  eye  will  not  relax  its  vigilance,  nor  my 
arm  its  effort,  to  defend  the  cause  of  my  country 
and  rid  it  of  its  oppressors.  Gentlemen,  you  are 
with  me," —  for  a  low  murmur  of  assent  filled  the 
narrow  room.  "  You  were  to  have  prepared  for 
Captain  McKay  a  memorandum  of  names  and 
resources  of  the  patriots  here  in  Savannah,  so  that 
when  my  raids  are  made  I  may  know  who  are  for 
and  who  against  us.  Let  me  have  the  papers,  and 
then  I  must  away,  to  a  rendezvous  on  the  farther 
outskirts  of  Musgrove  Swamp,  where  important 
news  awaits  me." 

Silently  the  little  band  of  patriots  gave  into 
Marion's  hand  the  slips  of  paper  so  pregnant  with 
danger  to  themselves  if  discovered  by  the  enemy, 
and  with  a  gesture  of  farewell  to  their  gallant 
leader,  they  filed  quietly,  one  by  one,  out  of  the 
vault,  and  scattered  in  various  directions.  By  the 
flickering  light  of  the  pine-knot  torch  Marion's  eye 
ran  swiftly  through  the  papers ;  then  he  placed 
them  carefully  in  a  wallet,  and  concealed  them  on 
his  person. 

"  Extinguish  the  torch,  Ossaba,"  he  said  briefly, 
to  the  Indian  who  stood  waiting  beside  the  en 
trance,  "  and  then  lead  on  to  the  boat.  McKay, 
go  first,"  and  with  careful  steps  the  three  men 
went  out  into  the  night. 

The  wind  had  risen  somewhat,  and  the  sound  of 
the  small  waves  of  the  incoming  tide  was  plainly 
perceptible  as,  after  walking  some  half  a  mile 
farther,  they  came  to  the  shore.  The  Indian 


IN  MUSGROVE  SWAMP  15 

waded  out  a  few  feet,  and  groping  under  the  gray 
moss  which  hung  from  the  trees  on  the  edge  of  the 
bank  drew  out  a  canoe  into  which  the  two  officers 
stepped  easily.  As  Colonel  Marion  seated  himself 
his  hand  came  in  contact  with  something  soft,  like 
a  mantle,  and  he  stooped  to  examine  it. 

"Woman  went  first,"  muttered  the  Indian,  as 
he  plied  the  paddle  with  due  caution;  "left 
blanket  behind." 

"  Then  the  messenger  has  gone  to  the  hut," 
whispered  McKay.  Marion  nodded,  and  the  boat 
glided  on  its  way  in  silence  through  the  swampy 
waters  which  extended  for  some  distance  west  of 
the  city  and  really  formed  one  of  the  natural  de 
fenses  of  Savannah. 

Ossaba,  with  the  unerring  instinct  of  his  race, 
seemed  able  to  avoid  swags  or  too  thick  grasses 
which  might  have  impeded  their  progress  ;  indeed, 
there  undoubtedly  was  a  water-trail  which  he 
knew  well,  for  after  steadily  paddling  some  twenty 
minutes,  he  shot  the  little  boat  swiftly  into  a  small 
bend  of  the  shore,  which  in  clearer  water  might 
have  been  styled  a  cove,  and  standing  up,  separated 
the  gray  moss  which  swept  down  almost  to  the 
heads  of  the  seated  men,  as  the  bottom  grated 
softly  in  the  sand. 

"  Wait  with  the  boat,  Ossaba,"  said  Marion, 
and  the  Indian  sank  back  on  the  seat.  A  few 
yards  away  on  the  right,  far  enough  to  be  beyond 
the  inroads  of  the  tide-water,  was  a  low,  rude  hut, 
so  carefully  concealed  among  the  underbrush  and 


16  A  PRETTY  TORY 

moss  as  to  be  unperceived  by  any  but  those 
who  knew  of  its  existence.  To  this  hut,  Marion 
guided  Captain  McKay,  and  pausing  at  the  low 
door  which  was  roughly  but  securely  barred,  he 
whispered  the  countersign  —  "  Laceola."  A  glim 
mer  of  light  followed  the  whisper,  and  in  another 
second  the  bar  was  undone,  and  on  the  threshold 
stood  a  tall,  manly  figure  dressed  in  what  resembled 
a  hunting-shirt  of  dark  green.  Brown  leggings 
encased  his  shapely  legs,  and  a  pair  of  pistols  were 
stuck  in  his  belt,  while  a  broad,  low  hat  was 
pushed  carelessly  on  the  back  of  a  crop  of  wavy 
chestnut  hair. 

"  Safe,  thank  God !  "  he  cried,  wringing  Marion's 
hand  as  he  entered.  "  I  've  had  fifty  minds  in  the 
last  hour  to  go  in  search  of  you,  fearing  your  cap 
ture  in  yonder  unhappy  city." 

"  You  had  been  foolish  to  try  it,"  said  Marion 
dryly,  but  with  an  indulgent  smile,  as  he  gazed  up 
into  Roy  Telfair's  handsome  face,  "  and  beside  the 
messenger  "- 

"  She  is  here,"  interrupted  the  other,  "  and  it 's 
well  you  finally  arrived,  colonel,  for  not  a  penny 
of  the  much  needed  treasure  would  Margot  intrust 
to  my  hands.  Faith,  I  think  she  suspects  me  of 
turning  loyalist  in  her  absence." 

"  I  wad  ken  ye  by  the  joke  ye  are  fain  to  crack," 
was  the  quick  retort,  as  Margot's  gaunt  figure  rose 
from  a  cricket  by  the  one  window  (or  the  opening 
that  passed  for  such)  that  the  hut  boasted  of. 
"My  duty  to  you,  sir  —  that  is,  if  it  be  really 


IN  MUSGROVE  SWAMP  17 

Colonel  Marion,  an'  not  another  of  Maister  Roy's 
jokes." 

"  I  am  he,  good  woman."  Margot  curtsied  re 
spectfully.  "  But  how 's  this,  Telfair  ?  I  looked 
for  a  messenger  in  kilts,  not  skirts." 

A  slight  flush  rose  to  Margot' s  cheek.  "I 
wadna  contradict  your  Excellency;  mayhap  the 
kilt  wad  suit  the  emergency  better,  but  the  laird 
took  what  he  had  nearest  at  hand,  and  a  Scotch 
tongue  does  na  tattle  whether  it  be  hung  in  a 
mon's  head  or  a  woman's." 

"  She  has  you  there,  colonel,"  said  McKay, 
laughing,  while  Marion  hastened  to  soothe  Mar- 
got's  feelings  by  remarking  that  he,  too,  had  been 
but  joking. 

"  I  'm  thinking  it 's  the  way  o'  the  land,"  said 
Margot  with  fine  satire.  "  Here  is  the  packet,  sir, 
and  right  glad  am  I  to  surrender  my  charge,  for 
many  a  sleepless  night  it 's  caused  me  since  it  was 
put  in  my  keeping,"  and  with  another  courtesy  she 
returned  to  the  window,  where  she  stood  respect 
fully  out  of  earshot,  as  Marion  broke  the  seal, 
and  opened  the  packet. 

"  Our  friends  of  the  cause  in  Scotland  have 
done  nobly  ;  here  are  five  hundred  pounds  in  notes, 
gentlemen.  Most  of  this  goes  to  aid  our  suffering 
soldiers  ;  the  rest  for  arms  and  ammunition.  Stay, 
here  is  a  letter  from  Me  Alpine,"  and  he  ran  his 
eye  hastily  over  the  paper.  "  Listen ;  this  is  a 
clever  way  of  forwarding  aid  to  us  rebels,  is  it  not  ? 
McAlpine  says :  '  I  lost  my  chance  on  the  sloop, 


18  A  PRETTY  TORY 

as  she  carried  no  passengers,  but  this  woman  (one 
of  my  clan)  goes  over  as  passenger  in  His  Maj 
esty's  ship  Vigilant,  being  nurse  and  escort  to  the 
daughter  of  Colonel  Moncriffe  — ' ' 

"  Moncriffe !  "  ejaculated  McKay,  "  this  is  in 
deed  a  merry  stratagem."- 

"  '  And,' '"  continued  Marion,  smiling,  "  '  know 
ing  you  are  sore  bestead  in  the  provinces,  I  send 
it,  being  assured  that  no  search  will  be  made  of 
the  belongings  of  so  good  a  loyalist  as  Miss  Mon 
criffe.'  " 

"  This  is  after  your  own  heart,"  laughed  McKay, 
"  setting  a  loyalist  to  guard  money  for  such 
'  pestilent  rebels  '  as  we  !  You  seem  to  know  the 
old  woman,  Telfair ;  who  and  what  is  she?" 

"  Margot  McAlpine  was  half-sister  to  the  Scotch 
woman  who  nursed  my  sister  Rose  and  me,"  said 
Roy  coldly.  "  My  father's  plantation  adjoined 
that  of  the  Moncriffes',  and  since  we  were  babies 
we  have  been  friends  until  the  colonies  rose 
against  British  rule.  Colonel  Moncriffe  remained 
loyal  to  the  crown,  and  sent  his  only  child  three 
years  ago  to  finish  her  education  in  England  and 
Scotland.  It  is  scarcely  to  be  wondered  that 
Mistress  Moncriffe  remains  true  to  the  principles 
of  her  family." 

Colonel  Marion  looked-  up  from  the  paper  he 
had  been  studying ;  he  detected  the  under-tone  of 
irritation  in  Roy's  voice,  and  with  the  wonderful 
tact  for  which  he  was  noted  interposed  at  once. 

"We  have  still  some  miles  to  travel,  and  the 


IN  MUSGROVE  SWAMP  19 

night  is  safest  for  our  undertaking,  McKay.  You, 
Telfair,  had  best  wait  here  for  another  twenty- 
four  hours,  as  I  think  you  told  me  you  had  some 
family  matters  to  attend  to.  But,  I  beseech  you, 
see  to  those  with  due  care  of  your  own  safety,  and 
join  your  command  as  soon  as  may  be,  as  I  have 
other  work  for  you.  Ossaba  remains  with  the 
skiff ;  do  you  desire  him  to  take  the  Scotch  woman 
back  to  Savannah  ?  " 

"It  is  the  way  she  came,  and  she  would  be 
missed  by  daylight.  I  will  escort  her  to  the  edge 
of  the  swamp.  Farewell,  Colonel ;  I  will  finish 
my  private  affair  and  join  at  once.  McKay,  your 
most  obedient.  Come,  Margot,  we  will  to  the 
boat." 

Margot  drew  her  plaid  around  her  shoulders, 
and  the  young  man  took  her  hand  to  lead  her 
through  the  darkness  as  they  left  the  hut.  He 
had  nearly  reached  the  shore  before  he  spoke. 

"Margot,  stop  a  moment.  You  have  told  me 
no  word  as  yet  of  Geraldine.  Is  she  lovelier  than 
ever  ?  or  is  she  changed  and  grown  into  the  man 
ners  and  ways  of  the  court  since  she  left  these 
humbler  colonies  ?  " 

"  She  was  always  a  bonny  bairn,"  said  Margot, 
cautiously,  "  and  she  has  a  deft  way  wi'  her  noo ! 
Changed,  aye;  if  you  ca'  changed  to  be  mair 
beautiful  and  mair  haughty  than  iver.  I  dinna 
ken  quite  what 's  in  her  mind ;  she  'd  scoff  and  flout 
the  gay  gallants  in  Edinburgh  an'  London  till 
they  were  fit  to  tear  their  hair  wi'  vexation.  But 


20  A  PRETTY  TORY 

she  has  the  same  soft,  winsome  smile,  and  her 
sweet,  sweet  voice  wad  wile  a  bird  off  yonder  bush. 
I  dinna  say  that  she  's  coquette,  but  to  my  mind 
there 's  mony  shades  of  that  same  complaint. 
D'ye  ken  what  they  call  her  over  there  in  Lon 
don  ?  the  '  Blue  Bell  o'  Scotland  ; '  and  I  heard 
the  officers  at  Leddy  Moncriffe's  dinner  toasting 
her  by  that  bonny  name.  She  's  different  since 
ye  saw  her,  Maister  Roy,  but  somehow  her  auld 
nurse  thinks  she  's  the  same  at  the  bottom  of  her 
heart,  and  she  '11  aye  be  leal  and  true  to  her  ain 
people." 

Roy's  hand  closed  warmly  over  Margot's  as  he 
led  her  on  to  the  boat.  "  Thank  you,"  he  said 
simply ;  "  I  dare  not  send  a  message,  for  the  giving 
it  would  reveal  that  you  have  seen  me.  But,  Mar- 
got,  I  am  coming  into  the  city  to  see  my  mother 
and  Rose,  and  I  may  contrive  to  be  somewhere 
near  Geraldine.  I  may  not  reveal  myself,  but  I 
own  I  'd  like  a  glimpse  of  my  old  playmate.  Here 
is  the  boat,  Ossaba ;  return  to  the  city  with  the 
pale-face  woman,  but  moor  the  boat  safely  again 
for  me  on  your  return.  Farewell,  Margot,"  and 
he  bent  over  and  kissed  the  faithful  Scotch  woman 
as  he  shoved  the  boat  from  shore,  then  hurried 
back  to  the  hut,  whistling  softly  under  his  breath 
as  he  went.  But  after  he  passed  the  spot  where 
he  had  paused  in  the  path  to  question  Margot,  the 
long  branches  of  an  overhanging  tree  were  sepa 
rated  by  a  slim,  dark  hand ;  first  a  girl's  face 
looked  carefully  out  between  the  gray  moss  cur- 


A   GIRL'S    FACE    LOOKED   CAREFULLY  OUT 


IN  MUSGROVE  SWAMP  21 

tain  which  clung  to  the  branches,  then  slowly  a 
graceful  figure  stepped  forth,  as  she  peered  into 
the  darkness  with  her  hand  shading  her  eyes. 

"  He  talked  of  the  pale-faced  maiden  to  her," 
she  murmured  to  herself;  "it  is  the  same  long 
name  he  whispered  in  his  sleep  under  the  trees 
yesterday.  Laceola  will  remember;  Laceola  can 
wait." 


CHAPTER  III 

AN   OFFICER   OF   THE   KING 

IT  was  about  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and 
the  thrifty  little  village  of  Ebenezer,  which  lay 
some  twenty-five  miles  distant  from  Savannah, 
looked  awake  and  in  motion.  Early  in  the  his 
tory  of  Georgia  it  had  been  settled  by  the  Saltz- 
burgers,  a  shrewd,  grave  colony  of  men  and 
women,  who  sought  there  freedom  of  religious 
opinion,  and  who,  when  the  war  for  Independence 
dawned,  promptly  declared  themselves  upon  the 
side  of  the  patriots,  with  but  few  exceptions. 
So  determined  were  the  Germans  in  giving  aid 
to  the  Continentals  that  the  colony  became  a 
source  of  menace  to  the  British,  who,  a  year  or 
more  before,  took  forcible  possession  of  it,  and 
Colonel  Maitland,  the  officer  in  command,  had 
left  and  still  maintained  a  garrison  there. 

A  comely-looking  woman  of  middle  age  came 
slowly  down  the  street  which  led  through  the 
village,  accompanying  a  stout  boy  of  twelve  who 
led  a  horse  by  the  halter.  It  was  a  rather  un 
kempt  nag,  and  somewhat  thin,  and  its  gait  was 
rendered  uneven  by  its  lack  of  a  shoe,  which  gave 
it  a  queer  amble  enough. 


AN  OFFICER  OF  THE  KING  23 

"  Franz,"  said  the  woman,  speaking  in  German, 
but  with  a  pleasant  voice,  "  did  thy  father  say  at 
what  hour  to-morrow  he  would  meet  thee  at  the 
turn  of  the  road  ?  " 

"No,  mother,"  answered  the  lad  in  the  same 
tongue,  "  but  I  am  to  fetch  the  cart  also." 

"Then  there  be  others  coming,"  said  the  wo 
man,  half  to  herself,  as  they  turned  aside,  and 
walking  a  few  steps  farther  stopped  before  a 
blacksmith's  shop,  where  the  fire  had  not  yet 
been  lit  in  the  smithy.  "  Give  me  the  hal 
ter,  Franz ;  I  '11  hold  the  beast  while  thou  go 
call  Wilhelm,"  and  she  sat  down  on  a  conven 
ient  tree  stump  as  Franz  opened  a  gate  and 
ran  up  the  path  which  led  to  the  blacksmith's 
house. 

Presently  a  stout,  burly  figure  was  seen,  accom 
panied  by  another,  a  half-grown  fellow,  who  car 
ried  a  bellows  and  a  bit  of  burning  wood  on  a 
shovel,  which  would  serve  to  light  the  fire.  Franz 
ran  nimbly  ahead,  and  took  the  halter  from  his 
mother  as  she  rose  from  her  seat. 

"  A  fine  spring  morning,  Frau  Hartzel.  I  am 
sorry  to  have  kept  you  waiting,  but  the  house 
mother  has  gone  to  the  pasture  for  the  cow,  and  I 
was  giving  little  Gottlieb  his  bread  and  butter. 
Why,  the  horse  has  been  unlucky  to  lose  another 
shoe,"  examining  that  animal,  as  his  apprentice 
and  Franz  set  eagerly  to  work  blowing  the  fire ; 
"  it  was  only  last  night  that "  — 

"  Aye,"  interrupted  the  woman  hastily,  "  but 


24  A  PRETTY  TORY 

the  beast  has  been  on  a  long  journey  since,  where 
the  way  was  rough,  and  I  only  wonder  it  did  not 
lame  him  far  worse.  And  he  's  needed  for  more 
work  to-morrow,  so  I  brought  him  up  early  lest 
others  might  observe." 

"The  redcoats  have  spared  him  so  far;  you 
are  more  in  luck  than  some  of  us." 

"  That 's  because  he  's  not  much  for  looks," 
was  the  shrewd  answer,  as  Frau  Hartzel  followed 
the  blacksmith  inside  the  smithy ;  "  there  are  few 
can  outstrip  the  old  beast  when  Hans  has  need  of 
speed.  Shoe  him  as  fast  as  you  are  able,  Wil- 
helm ;  I  'd  not  like  to  be  stopped  and  questioned 
by  the  British  patrol  on  our  way  back." 

"Then  you  did  not  pass  the  church  on  the 
way  ?  "  The  blacksmith  hurried  to  his  anvil,  then 
came  back  and  took  up  the  horse's  fore  foot  and 
inspected  it  carefully. 

"What's  amiss?" 

"  Naught,"  returned  the  man,  but  with  a  twinkle 
of  his  blue  eye,  as  he  passed  his  hand  over  the 
fetlock ;  "  that  shoe  is  no  mate  to  any  in  Eben- 
ezer,  though  I  can  make  good  guess  whence  it 
came." 

"  Tell  me,"  whispered  the  woman,  getting  closer 
that  the  two  lads  might  not  hear  the  conversation. 

"The  farrier  that  nailed  that  shoe  is  many  a 
mile  from  here,  guten  Frau.  It  bears  the  private 
mark  of  the  Swamp  Fox ;  behold !  "  and  raising 
the  hoof  again  cautiously  he  placed  his  finger  on  a 
rudely  scrawled  Indian  arrowhead.  "Hans  will 


AN  OFFICER  OF  THE  KING  25 

tell  you  that  is  why  the  Swamp  Fox's  men  never 
miss  the  trail  of  their  own  rangers.1  But  let  it  not 
pass  your  tongue ;  the  secret  is  of  great  value  so 
long  as  the  British  are  in  ignorance  of  it.  Here, 
Franz,  hold  the  halter ;  I  '11  have  the  shoe  on 
quickly." 

Frau  Hartzel  mused  for  a  moment,  and  was 
about  to  return  to  her  seat  on  the  tree  stump 
outside  when  a  sound  of  horses'  feet  made  her 
turn  her  head.  Coming  up  the  street  were  two 
men,  mounted,  followed  by  four  others.  The  two 
in  advance  were  evidently  officers,  both  young 
men  ;  one  wore  the  uniform  of  the  Georgia  loyal 
ists  (a  body  of  Tory  troopers,  made  up  partly 
of  New  Yorkers  and  South  Carolinians  as  well), 
and  the  other,  a  strikingly  handsome  fellow,  was 
dressed  in  full  panoply  of  scarlet  and  gold  lace, 
which  the  trappings  proclaimed  to  be  that  of  a 
lieutenant-colonel  in  His  Britannic  Majesty's  ser 
vice.  The  officer's  carriage  was  military  in  the 
highest  degree ;  his  figure  was  tall  and  erect,  and 
he  sat  his  horse  with  ease  and  grace.  Under  his 
heavy  brows  a  pair  of  fine  dark  eyes  flashed,  which 
were  both  keen  and  relentless  ;  his  nose  was  slightly 
aquiline,  but  not  too  prominent,  and  gave  strength 
to  the  face ;  his  complexion  clear  and  of  olive  tint, 
while  his  mouth  and  chin  were  of  the  most  deter 
mined  character,  —  a  face  of  infinite  possibilities 
and  contradictions,  proud,  inscrutable,  and  fasci 
nating  ;  but  to  a  close  observer  the  smile  which  at 
1  See  Lee's  Memoirs. 


26  A  PRETTY  TORY 

that  moment  lit  his  countenance,  as  he  turned  his 
head  toward  his  companion,  was  full  of  satire,  and 
there  was  a  cruel  gleam  in  the  handsome  eyes 
which  belied  his  calm,  tranquil  voice.  Such,  at 
the  age  of  twenty-six,  was  Colonel  Banastre  Tarle- 
ton,  a  man  feared  by  many,  hated  by  more,  and 
known  by  none. 

The  little  party  were  entering  the  village  from 
the  north,  and  as  they  drew  near  the  blacksmith's 
shop  one  of  the  four  troopers,  who  apparently 
formed  the  escort,  rode  forward  and  addressed 
Tarleton. 

"  If  the  colonel  pleases,"  he  said,  saluting  re 
spectfully,  "  the  hind  shoes  of  my  horse  are  loose, 
and  I  fear  he  will  lose  them  before  we  reach 
Savannah.  Shall  I  have  them  tightened  by  this 
man?" 

Tarleton  turned  quickly  and  drew  in  his  rein. 
He  was  always  solicitous  as  to  his  men's  equip 
ment,  and  especially  as  regarded  the  horses. 
"  Hallo,  fellow,"  he  said  imperiously,  addressing 
Wilhelm,  "  quit  fumbling  with  that  sorry-looking 
beast  and  attend  to  my  horse  here.  His  shoes 
want  fastening  securely,  as  we  have  a  journey  to 
finish  before  nightfall,  and  here 's  sixpence  for 
your  pains,"  and  tossing  the  coin  carelessly  in 
the  direction  of  the  smith  Tarleton  rode  down 
the  street  to  the  brick  church,  once  the  pride  of 
the  people  of  Ebenezer,  but  now  occupied  as  hos 
pital  and  stable  by  the  British. 

Wilhelm  went  leisurely  on  driving  the  nail  on 


AN  OFFICER  OF  THE  KING  27 

which  he  was  working,  as  the  trooper  flung  him 
self  from  the  saddle.  Frau  Hartzel  drew  away 
into  the  corner  of  the  smithy,  motioning  Franz 
to  take  the  halter  she  dropped,  which  he  did 
with  alacrity. 

"  There,"  ejaculated  the  blacksmith,  resting  his 
hammer  as  he  lowered  the  horse's  foot  and  stood 
upright.  "  'T  is  a  job  well  done.  Nay,  lad,"  as 
Franz  produced  a  coin  from  his  pocket,  "  thy 
father  and  I  are  old  neighbors  —  I  keep  no  ac 
count  with  such.  Give  it  to  your  mother ;  I  '11 
come  and  share  thy  dish  of  sauerkraut,  Franz, 
to-morrow  night." 

"  You  have  a  seeming  lack  of  regard  for  money," 
said  the  trooper,  as  he  loosened  his  coat  and  leaned 
up  against  the  side  of  the  smithy.  "Yonder  is 
the  sixpence  the  colonel  flung  ye ;  for  my  part  I 
do  not  treat  a  likeness  of  His  Majesty  so  lightly. 
Why  did  you  not  stoop  to  pick  it  up  ?  We  hear 
that  you  people  of  Ebenezer  are  a  very  pestilent 
lot,  but  you  are  a  fool  to  let  your  politics  have  the 
ordering  of  your  pockets." 

"  Belike,"  returned  the  smith  dryly. 

"  It 's  well  the  colonel  did  not  see  you  scorn  his 
gift." 

"  Gift,  man?  't  is  my  honest  earning." 

"  Then  why  not  lift  it  off  the  ground?  "  pursued 
his  tormentor. 

"  No  one  is  likely  to  steal  it ;  we  are  honest  folk 
here  in  Ebenezer." 

"  You  handle  the  hammer  well ;  't  is  a  pity  so 


28  A  PRETTY  TORY 

stout  a  fellow  as  you  should  stop  here  in  these 
troublous  times.  Why  —  as  you  will  not  accept 
His  Majesty's  sixpence  —  why  not  take  the  king's 
shilling  and  join  our  company  ?  It 's  a  life  full 
of  adventure,  and  I  'm  in  search  of  recruits  since 
this  last  affair  at  Waxham  Creek." 

"  Where  be  that  ?  Is  it  a  battle,  and  did  you 
redcoats  win  it  ?  " 

"  A  battle  !  Aye,  a  slaughter,  for  the  place  ran 
red  with  rebel  blood  before  Tarleton  sheathed  his 
sword.  The  rebels  cried  out  for  '  quarter,  quar 
ter,'  and  the  legion  stabbed  and  shot  them  as 
they  lay  wounded  along  the  banks  of  the  creek  till 
darkness  came  down  " 

"  Ah !  "  Frau  Hartzel  could  not  restrain  a 
faint  cry  of  horror. 

"  Go  home,  Frau,"  said  Wilhelm  shortly,  as 
the  shuddering  woman,  followed  by  the  boys  with 
the  horse,  passed  out  of  the  smithy.  "  What  are 
ye  made  of,  man,  that  ye  stand  and  tell  bragging 
tales  of  such  hellish  work?  Quarter  asked,  and 
none  given !  Such  news  as  that  will  send  every 
Saltzburger  in  Ebenezer  who  remains  true  to  king 
and  crown  into  the  ranks  of  the  patriots.  Out 
of  my  smithy,  and  take  thy  nag  with  thee ;  he  is 
too  good  an  animal  to  carry  such  a  beast  as  thou  ; " 
and  the  burly  German  rushed  upon  the  trooper 
with  such  sudden  force  that  he  bore  him  to  the 
ground  before  he  had  opportunity  to  draw  a 
weapon. 

"Enough,    enough,"    shouted  the    trooper,    as 


AN  OFFICER  OF  THE  KING  29 

Wilhelm  raised  his  great  fist  for  another  strike  ; 
"  this  is  more  than  I  had  cause  to  expect,  much 
as  I  desired  to  prove  you.  Have  you  forgotten 
a  night  last  March  on  the  edge  of  Musgrove 
Swamp  "  — 

"  Thou  —  thou  ?  I  begin  to  see  thy  face  is 
known  to  me.  But  where  is  thy  beard  ?  and  what 
brings  thee  here  in  the  train  of  yonder  monster  of 
cruelty  ?  " 

"  Hush !  "  The  trooper  rose,  shook  the  dust  off 
his  coat,  and  glanced  cautiously  up  and  down  the 
road.  "  By  command  of  the  Swamp  Fox  two 
months  ago  I  left  Snow  Island,  and  turned  up  at 
Charleston  with  a  clever  tale  of  starvation  and 
wrongs  at  the  hands  of  the  patriots.  Colonel 
Tarleton  was  busy  recruiting  for  his  legion,  and 
I  enlisted  with  him.  I  have  been  on  several  raids 
without  exciting  suspicion,  but  this  horrible  affair 
at  Waxham  has  tried  me  sorely.  God  !  how  those 
men  were  slaughtered !  Had  I  not  been  detailed 
as  guard  with  some  others  to  protect  the  baggage 
of  the  officers  in  the  rear  I  would  have  deserted ; 
aye,  had  I  even  seen  the  butchers  at  their  work 
I  must  have  struck  a  blow  for  my  countrymen. 
I  did  not  know  till  too  late  to  succor,  and  even 
after  the  fight,  received  from  a  fugitive  whom  I 
helped  escape,  orders  of  grave  importance  from 
Colonel  Marion.  Hark  ye,"  —  he  put  his  mouth 
almost  at  the  smith's  ear  and  whispered  softly,  — 
"  I  am  a  special  spy  on  Tarleton,  and  have  man 
aged  to  ingratiate  myself  with  him.  We  are  on 


30  A  PRETTY  TORY 

the  road  to  Savannah,  where  no  doubt  he  goes  to 
plot  further  deviltries,  and  I  must  establish  a  trail 
here  to  convey  information  I  may  send.  I  remem 
bered  you  the  instant  I  saw  we  were  to  pass  Eben- 
ezer,  and  I  contrived  to  loosen  those  shoes  an 
hour  ago." 

"  Good  ;  what  can  I  do  for  thee  ?  "  The  trooper 
passed  around  to  the  other  side  of  his  horse,  who 
stood  waiting  with  head  patiently  bowed.  From 
beneath  the  saddle  he  drew  forth  a  scrap  of  chamois 
skin  on  which  were  scrawled  some  rude  characters 
which  looked  like  Indian  pictures. 

"This  must  reach  the  Swamp  Fox  in  safety; 
can  you  take  it,  or  have  you  others  by  whom  to 
send  it  ?  " 

"  Hans  Hartzel ;  he  comes  to-morrow.  That 
was  Ids  wife  here,  and  his  horse,  and  I  know  by 
unfailing  signs  that  he  has  lately  been  in  close 
communication  with  the  patriots." 

"  Take  it  then,"  —  the  sound  of  a  bugle  came 
floating  up  on  the  morning  air  :  "  I  have  been 
full  long  over  that  loose  shoe."  He  sprang  into 
the  saddle,  but  the  smith's  hand  detained  him. 

"  Your  name  —  in  case  I  have  to  use  it." 

"  Oh,  aye  ;  Burt,  Norman  Burt.  That 's  my 
name  now ;  perhaps  I  may  confess  to  another 
some  day,"  and  the  trooper  trotted  off  in  the  di 
rection  of  the  church,  as  the  smith  went  back  to 
his  anvil. 

The  Lutheran  church  of  Ebenezer  was  a  square, 
low  structure,  and  had  been  the  principal  building 


AN  OFFICER  OF  THE  KING  31 

of  the  place,  but  now,  divided  as  it  was  into 
part  hospital,  part  stable,  its  desecration  and  filth 
were  a  source  of  burning  wrath  to  the  inhabitants. 
Just  beyond  the  church  was  a  wooden  house 
painted  white,  formerly  the  parsonage,  but  the 
minister  had  been  driven  away  and  it  was  used  as 
headquarters  of  the  garrison  by  the  British.  In 
side  the  low  portal  could  be  seen  a  table  spread 
with  food,  and  seated  at  it  with  several  others  were 
Colonel  Tarleton  and  Captain  Israel  Halleck,  of 
the  Georgia  loyalists,  who  at  that  time  formed  one 
of  Tarleton' s  military  family,  and  was  probably 
his  only  intimate  friend. 

The  officers  stationed  at  the  post  were  evidently 
delighted  to  entertain  Colonel  Tarleton,  for  the 
room  rang  with  laughter  and  jest,  and  the  break 
fast  was  prolonged  half  an  hour  to  permit  the 
horses  to  be  baited.  At  the  end  of  that  time, 
Tarleton  drew  back  his  chair,  and  buckling  on 
his  sword  walked  out  on  the  low  veranda  which 
ran  around  two  sides  of  the  house. 

"  I  have  ordered  an  Indian  scout  to  give  you 
the  trail  for  some  eight  miles  of  the  way,  colonel ; 
after  that  the  road  lies  straight  ahead  to  Savan 
nah,"  said  Captain  Conway,  the  officer  in  com 
mand.  "  Are  either  of  your  fellows  familiar  with 
these  parts  ?  " 

"  The  trooper  holding  my  horses  is  our  guide  ; 
he  is  a  Georgian  and  has  keen  eyes  for  a  trail. 
Can  I  do  anything  for  you,  Conway,  in  the 
city?" 


32  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"Nothing  except  to  beseech  the  commandant 
to  relieve  me,"  laughed  Conway ;  "  it 's  so  devilish 
dull  at  this  post  of  psalm-singing,  sauerkraut  Ger 
mans  that  I  'd  exchange  to  field  duty  with  most 
cheerful  alacrity.  Farewell,  Tarleton  ;  fortune 
favor  your  mission  whatever  it  be." 

Colonel  Tarleton  trotted  briskly  off,  with  Hal- 
leek  following,  but  after  going  a  half  mile  he 
drew  rein  and  waited  for  his  friend  to  ride  beside 
him. 

"  Conway  little  knows,"  he  said  with  a  laugh, 
"  what  my  so-called  mission  may  be.  Of  course, 
the  military  part  of  it  we  have  discussed,  but  that 
which  relates  to  love,  not  war,  is  something  I  have 
reserved  for  your  private  ear." 

"  I  suspected  as  much,"  said  the  other  dryly  ; 
"  there  is  usually  the  swish  of  a  gown  to  be  heard 
in  your  pathway." 

"  What  would  the  world  be  without  women  for 
our  lighter  hours,  man  ?  I  've  had  battles  enough 
for  a  while,  and  can  afford  to  dally  a  little  with 
mine  own  affair.  You  may  recollect  the  packet 
which  came  express  to  me  a  month  ago  before  we 
left  Charleston?  Well,  't is  of  that  I  wish  to  tell 
you. 

"  You  have,  I  think,  already  met  Colonel  Mon- 
criffe  of  our  army.  He  was  born  in  Scotland,  but 
took  an  American  wife  and  is  one  of  the  staunch- 
est  adherents  to  the  crown  in  the  provinces.  My 
father  and  he  were  bosom  friends  long  before  their 
respective  marriages,  and  pledged  each  other  that 


AN  OFFICER  OF  THE  KING  33 

the  friendship  should  be  continued  by  a  union  be 
tween  their  children  (should  the  Lord  be  pleased 
to  vouchsafe  them  olive-branches)  in  the  future. 
Behold  in  me  the  party  of  the  first  part ;  the  fair 
Geraldine  Moncriffe  the  party  of  the  second." 

"  You  do  surprise  me,  Tarleton.  Is  is  possible 
that  you,  the  fickle,  the  changeful,  the  fastidious 
Tarleton,  are  about  to  concentrate  your  affec 
tions  upon  one  fair  damsel,  leaving  numberless 
victims  to  mourn  your  capture  !  " 

"  Mock  me  as  you  will,"  said  Tarleton,  with  a 
satirical  smile ;  "  you  have  not  yet  heard  the 
story.  A  year  ago,  I  had  intimation  from  my 
father  that  the  Moncriffe,  in  addition  to  her  charms 
of  face  and  form,  will  be  a  very  great  heiress,  for 
this  part  of  the  world,  and  a  goodly  one  even  in 
old  England.  Whether  the  colonel  has  found  a 
gold  mine  in  this  pestilent  country  or  no,  the  golden 
casket,  with  its  accompanying  jewel,  lies  waiting 
for  me ;  and  perhaps  I  am  rendered  more  keen  in 
pursuit  of  my  fair  quarry  by  a  miniature  which 
the  lady's  father  was  good  enough  to  forward 
me  in  the  packet  which  reached  me  at  Charles 
ton.  What  think  you  of  that  face,  Halleck?  Be 
she  but  one  half  as  beautiful  she  will  serve  to 
make  profound  love  to  —  for  a  month."  As  he 
spoke,  Tarleton  drew  from  an  inner  pocket  a  small 
case  which  he  handed  to  his  friend,  and  an  ex 
clamation  of  surprise  and  admiration  burst  from 
Halleck's  lips  as  he  opened  it  and  there  flashed 
upon  his  gaze  Geraldine  Moncriffe's  exquisite 


34  A  PRETTY  TORY 

beauty,  painted  by  one  of  the  great  artists  of  the 
day. 

"You  are  right!  What  glorious  eyes,  what 
superb  coloring !  I  wonder  if  't  is  true  to  life." 

"  It  can  hardly  be  less,  for  my  father  writes  that 
she  has  been  the  toast  in  town  this  season,  and  by 
a  fanciful  title,  the  '  Blue  Bell  of  Scotland.'  " 

"  She 's  divine  !  Here,  take  back  your  portrait, 
or  I  shall  be  tempted  to  enter  the  lists  myself." 

"  Against  me  ?  Pray  do  ;  jealousy  and  strife 
will  give  the  needed  flavor  to  my  suit ;  my  only 
fear  is  that  the  conquest  —  backed  by  her  father 
—  may  be  too  easy  a  one." 

"  Fie,  Tarleton  ;  I  begin  to  believe  that  the 
New  York  dames  and  damsels  have  turned  your 
brain  with  their  attentions,  only  I  do  remind  me 
that  Mistress  Betty  Wolcott  turned  a  deaf  ear  " 

"  Hold,  sir,  you  go  too  far,"  interrupted  Tarle 
ton  haughtily,  as  he  thrust  the  case  inside  his 
coat.  Then,  after  a  moment,  he  added  in  a  softer 
tone,  "  The  shoe  pinches  not  so  much  as  you  think, 
Halleck,  but  I  own  I  have  not  yet  forgotten  that 
pretty  rebel.  I  wonder  if  the  fair  Moncriffe  pos 
sesses  the  same  charm  ;  one  cannot  have  every 
thing,  and  fascination  combined  with  beauty 
grows  not  on  every  bush." 

Their  horses  going  at  a  fairly  good  speed,  it  did 
not  take  long  to  reach  the  end  of  the  trail  for 
which  the  little  party  had  been  offered  the  ser 
vices  of  Captain  Conway's  Indian  scout,  and  after 
his  departure  they  resumed  their  way,  which  led 


AN  OFFICER  OF  THE  KING  35 

partly  through  woodland,  from  which  glimpses 
might  be  occasionally  had  of  the  river  winding 
on  its  way  south.  When  the  sun  overhead  pro 
claimed  noon,  Tarleton  ordered  a  halt,  and  under 
shade  of  a  great  tree  and  its  curtain  of  gray  moss 
they  rested  the  horses  and  took  a  drink  from  the 
flasks  which  the  officers  carried,  the  men  having 
some  provisions  in  the  saddlebags.  But  Tarleton, 
impatient  to  be  off,  cut  short  their  meal  (such  as 
it  was),  and  mounting,  desired  the  trooper  Burt  to 
ride  ahead,  as  he  knew  the  trail. 

"  'T  is  ticklish  business,"  muttered  Burt  to  him 
self,  as  he  tightened  his  stirrup  and  trotted  on. 
"  We  may  strike  the  Rangers  at  any  moment, 
and  then  —  Gad,  I  'd  not  like  to  bite  the  dust  of 
Georgia  soil  by  a  shot  from  my  old  comrades. 
But  I  'd  cheerfully  lose  a  leg  or  arm  to  get  yonder 
fiend  into  Marion's  hands.  Those  bushes  at  the 
right  have  been  recently  bent ;  the  twigs  are  wilt 
ing  in  the  sun,"  and  then,  as  the  thought  flashed 
through  his  brain,  he  saw,  peering  at  him  in  the 
thicket,  a  pair  of  glittering  eyes. 

Involuntarily,  Burt's  hand  sought  his  pistol ;  but 
before  he  could  draw  it  from  his  belt,  the  bushes 
parted,  and  the  slender,  graceful  figure  of  an 
Indian  girl  glided  out  on  the  path.  Tall  and 
well  formed,  her  dark  flowing  hair  was  bound 
with  a  strip  of  scarlet  cloth,  fastened  by  an  eagle's 
feather ;  her  blanket  was  slung  around  her  shoul 
ders  with  more  than  ordinary  care,  and  on  her 
feet  were  beautifully  embroidered  moccasins.  On 


36  A  PRETTY  TORT 

each  shapely,  bronzed  arm  she  wore  an  armlet  of 
roughly  beaten  silver,  and  around  her  neck  a 
silver  chain,  from  which  hung  the  totem  (the 
emblem  of  her  tribe),  a  coiled  rattlesnake,  with 
its  head  reared  as  if  to  strike. 

"  Halt !  "  cried  Tarleton,  spurring  forward,  as 
his  eye  caught  the  strangely  picturesque  figure, 
but  before  he  reached  the  spot  Burt's  quick  per 
ception  had  taken  every  detail  of  the  girl's  ap 
pearance,  and  under  his  breath  he  said  softly, 
"  Laceola !  " 

A  slight  quiver  of  the  dainty  nostrils  was  the 
only  sign  that  betrayed  her  knowledge  of  the  word ; 
she  stood  motionless  as  Tarleton  accosted  her. 

"  Who  are  you,  and  from  whence  do  you  come?  " 

"  I  am  Laceola,  the  sister  of  Ossaba." 

"  Where  are  you  going,  and  why  do  you  walk 
alone  in  the  forest  ?  " 

"  Laceola  walks  where  she  will,"  said  the  girl 
proudly;  "the  palefaces  are  kind  to  her.  She 
goes  to  Yamacraw,  where  now  is  a  settlement 
they  call  Savannah." 

Tarleton  hesitated  a  moment,  and  Burt  took 
the  opportunity  to  say  in  a  low  tone,  "  She  is  a 
Creek,  and  the  colonel  knows  that  tribe  have 
been  employed  by  the  Tories  in  this  war." 

"  Faith,  Halleck,"  said  Tarleton,  with  a  laugh, 
"  she  has  the  air  of  a  princess  —  this  American 
savage.  Come  nearer,  girl,"  and,  as  Laceola 
stepped  fearlessly  to  his  side,  he  stooped  sud 
denly  in  his  saddle  and  kissed  her  on  the  lips. 


AN  OFFICER  OF  THE  KING  37 

There  was  a  flash  and  gleam  of  steel  as  a  long 
knife  shot  into  the  air,  and  but  for  the  swerving 
aside  of  his  frightened  horse,  Tarleton's  career 
had  ended  then  and  there.  The  knife  grazed  the 
horse's  ear  and  buried  itself  in  the  green  sward 
beyond,  while  the  girl,  panting  for  breath,  stood 
with  her  small  hands  clenched,  the  embodiment  of 
concentrated  rage. 

"  Laceola  has  seen  many  pale-faced  men  —  she 
has  walked  these  forests  alone  both  day  and  night ; 
no  Inglese,  no  Yankee,  has  harmed  her.  Redcoat, 
you  are  a  villain  ;  pah !  "  —  and  she  drew  her  hand 
across  her  lips  with  a  gesture  of  scorn  and  loath 
ing,  —  "  you  are  a  coward  !  " 

A  red  flush  mounted  to  Tarleton's  forehead,  as 
he  half  drew  his  pistol,  then  dropped  his  hand, 
with  a  sneering  laugh. 

"  'T  is  only  a  wildcat,  after  all.  Burt,  tie  the 
girl's  hands  and  mount  her  before  you  on  the 
saddle ;  I  '11  carry  a  prisoner  with  me  into 
Savannah." 

Halleek  opened  his  lips  to  speak,  then  thought 
better  of  it,  and  in  silence  Burt  dismounted, 
secured  Laceola' s  hands,  and,  with  the  aid  of  the 
other  troopers,  placed  her  on  his  horse.  But  just 
as  he  was  about  to  spring  up  behind  her,  the  girl 
bent  her  head ;  swift  as  lightning  she  seized  the 
reins,  which  lay  loosely  on  the  horse's  neck,  in  her 
teeth,  and,  striking  the  animal  a  blow  with  her 
feet,  in  one  second  she  was  off,  tearing  like  mad 
up  the  road,  where  a  sudden  bend  hid  her  from 


38  A  PRETTY  TORY 

view  almost  before  the  men  had  time  to  grasp  the 
fact  that  their  prisoner  had  escaped. 

"To  horse!"  cried  Tarleton  ;  but  the  troopers 
had  barely  sprung  into  their  saddles  before  he 
checked  them.  "  Pursuit  is  useless  ;  the  jade  will 
have  joined  some  lurking  Indian  by  this,  and  I  do 
not  care  to  be  shot  from  ambush.  Halleck,  I  was 
a  fool  to  try  issue  with  a  Creek ;  we  have  had 
trouble  enough  with  that  nation." 

"  Aye,"  said  Halleck  dryly,  "  better  let  women 
alone  —  if  you  can." 

Tarleton  laughed  again ;  his  good  humor  had 
apparently  returned,  but  the  gleam  in  his  eye 
boded  no  good  to  Laceola  even  while  he  jested. 

"  'T  was  a  clever  escape,  by  Gad !  the  princess 
has  a  ready  wit.  But  you  '11  have  to  ride  double, 
my  man,"  to  Burt,  "  or  else  foot  it  into  Savannah." 

Burt  saluted,  and  went  toward  the  other  troopers, 
but  as  he  again  put  foot  in  the  stirrup,  a  distant 
neigh  was  heard,  and  as  the  party  turned  in  its 
direction,  to  their  amazement  they  beheld  the 
missing  horse,  riderless,  trotting  rapidly  back  to 
join  its  companions. 

"  By "  Burt  ripped  out  an  oath.  "  Beg 

pardon,  colonel,  but  of  all  adventures  "  —  and  he 
gazed  blankly  at  the  officers. 

Halleck  burst  into  a  hearty  laugh.  "  You  must 
e'en  make  the  best  of  it,  Tarleton ;  the  wench 
was  honest  enough  to  return  your  property,  but 
none  will  ever  believe  the  tale  of  how  an  Indian 
girl  flouted  the  gay  and  gallant  Tarleton,"  and 


AN  OFFICER  OF  THE  KING  39 

spurring  their  horses  both  friends  galloped  down 
the  road. 

But  Burt,  riding  more  slowly  in  their  train,  said 
to  himself,  "  The  Swamp  Fox  is  not  far  away. 
I  '11  wager  the  colonel  has  not  heard  the  last  of 
this  pretty  encounter." 


CHAPTER  IV 

AT   GLENMOIRA 

THE  mansion  stood  in  the  centre  of  a  grove  of 
live  oaks  and  myrtle  trees,  and  was  an  unusually 
fine  specimen  of  the  residence  occupied  by  the 
rich  planters  of  that  day.  It  had  been  built 
by  Madam  Moncriffe's  father,  and  added  to  in 
various  ways  at  different  times,  until  it  presented 
a  combination  of  quaintness,  stability,  and  even 
elegance,  being  built  chiefly  of  brick  imported  from 
England,  as  was  then  the  custom,  and  in  some 
part  of  wood  after  the  fashion  of  the  early  days 
of  the  province.  The  plantation  itself  extended 
for  miles,  being  part  of  the  original  letters-patent 
granted  to  Percival  Heathcote,  and  then  considered 
as  belonging  to  the  province  of  South  Carolina. 
When  the  new  province  of  Georgia  was  given  to  its 
trustees  by  King  George  the  Second,  the  Heath- 
cote  of  that  day  exchanged  part  of  his  land  for 
that  within  the  new  grant,  and,  proceeding  to 
plant  rice  in  these  most  fertile  swamps  formed 
by  the  Savannah  River,  amassed  what  was  for 
those  days  a  handsome  fortune,  which,  added  to 
his  hundred  or  more  slaves,  made  him  a  power 
in  that  vicinity.  Dying,  he  left  an  only  daughter, 


AT  GLENMOIRA  41 

whom  Colonel  Moncriffe  married,  and  it  was  a 
noticeable  fact  that,  although  an  officer  in  His 
Majesty's  service  and  a  gallant  soldier  (as  he  had 
proved  himself  during  the  siege  of  Savannah), 
Colonel  Moncriffe  seemed  to  have  a  gift  for 
acqiiiring  money  outside  his  profession,  and  in 
dulged  in  every  extravagant  fancy  of  the  day. 
Costly  furniture,  pictures,  and  china  were  always 
coming  from  England  for  transportation  to  Glen- 
moira,  and  before  the  war  broke  out  his  elaborate 
entertainments  were  the  talk  of  the  town.  The 
death  of  his  wife,  some  four  years  previous, 
had  called  a  temporary  halt  in  his  gayeties,  but 
now  that  Geraldine  had  returned  home  with  the 
triumph  of  a  London  season  hovering  about  her, 
the  Tory  dames  of  Savannah  gossiped  behind 
their  fans  as  they  met  in  the  streets  and  at 
each  other's  houses,  and  predicted  that  the  re 
newal  of  hospitality  would  be  speedy,  and  after 
even  more  prodigal  fashion  than  before. 

The  front  of  the  house  was  most  imposing,  with 
its  tall  white  pillars,  and  square  entrance  flagged 
with  stone,  whence  the  descent  to  the  ground  was 
made  by  six  broad,  low  steps.  The  wings  stretched 
to  right  and  left,  and  were  irregularly  built,  one 
side  being  devoted  to  bedrooms,  where  bachelor 
guests  were  bestowed,  and  the  other  running  out 
still  further  and  used  as  servants'  quarters ;  these 
wings  added  much  to  the  picturesque  appearance 
of  the  place,  as  they  were  completely  covered  by 
vines  which  ran  up  even  to  the  slanting  roofs. 


42  A  PRETTY  TORY 

Near  one  of  the  large  white  pillars  sat  Geral- 
dine  on  a  low  stool,  two  great  baskets  of  roses  be 
side  her,  and  at  her  elbow  a  small  table  on  which 
stood  a  huge  blue  china  bowl  which,  with  deft, 
busy  fingers,  she  was  engaged  in  filling  with 
flowers.  Her  white  gown  (tied  around  the  short 
waist  with  a  broad  blue  ribbon)  with  its  scanty 
skirt  gave  enchanting  glimpses  of  the  dainty  feet 
beneath  the  petticoat,  and  became  her  well,  while 
her  red-gold  hair,  drawn  up  from  the  nape  of  her 
slender  neck  and  piled  in  curling  masses  over  her 
broad  brow,  seemed  a  fitting  crown  to  her  beauty. 

"  Hech  !  but  she  's  bonnie,"  thought  Margot,  as 
she  came  out  of  the  door,  her  hands  filled  with 
long,  feathery  sprays  of  green,  "I  wish  Maister 
Roy  could  see  her  noo !  " 

"  Just  in  time,  Margot ;  oh,  tell  Jumbo  to  fetch 
me  the  tall  blue  jars  from  the  mantel  in  my  room. 
Nothing  becomes  deep  red  roses  like  them.  Do 
you  mind,  Margot, "-  —  falling  into  a  little  of  the 
quaint  Scotch  phrase  as  she  sometimes  did  when 
alone  with  her,  — "  do  you  mind  how  I  used  to 
greet  for  the  red  and  white  roses,  and  how  my 
aunt  scolded  me  because  I  said  nothing  could  com 
pare  with  our  cherokee  hedges  of  white  ?  Ah, 
Margot,  'tis  sweet  to  be  in  my  own  home  once 
more ;  to  see  the  kindly  black  faces  of  the  slaves, 
and  hear  them  sing  their  plaintive  songs  at  night 
fall,  and  though  I  love  the  English  nightingale's 
note,  there  's  a  wild  melody  in  the  mocking  bird 
which  goes  straight  to  the  heart."  Margot  looked 


AT  GLENMOIRA  43 

up  quickly  enough  to  see  a  tear  that  fell  from  her 
young  mistress's  eyes  among  the  roses. 

"  You  see,  Margot,"  Geraldine  went  on,  half 
talking,  half  thinking  aloud,  "  London  was  grand 
and  beautiful  and  stately  —  and  I  love  to  be  stately 
and  grand  as  well  as  most  maids.  But  somehow 
last  night  when  I  rode  down  through  the  live-oaks 
with  my  father,  and  the  wind  blew  a  spray  of  gray 
moss  across  my  face,  and  I  heard  a  distant  whip- 
poor-will,  I  thought  of  the  days  when  I  used  to 
stand  down  yonder  by  the  thicket,  and  how  Rose 
Telfair  and  I  made  wreaths  to  deck  my  mother's 
grave,  and  Roy  —  oh,  I  wonder  where  Roy  is  now, 
Margot?  My  father  says  he  has  taken  arms 
against  the  king.  I  could  not  have  believed  it  of 
him.  Think,  think  of  being  a  rebel,  Margot,  and 
in  arms  against  your  country !  " 

"  It  depends  mickle  upon  whilk  country  ye 
claim  for  your  ain,"  quoth  Margot,  with  a  twinkle 
of  fun  in  her  shrewd  bright  eyes.  "  Some  o'  your 
forbears,  I  'm  thinking,  puzzled  over  that  question 
in  the  '  Forty-Five ! '  " 

"  Truly,"  and  Geraldine  laughed  lightly  at  Mar- 
got's  thrust.  "But  that  was  so  different;  we 
were  fighting  for  a  king,  even  then." 

"An'  the  patriots  are  fighting  for  their, lawful 
rights,"  said  Margot  stubbornly.  "What  I'm 
thinking  is  that  what 's  sauce  for  the  goose  is  like 
to  be  sauce  for  the  gander  in  this  war  as  in  mony 
ithers." 

"Margot,  Margot,  are  you  turning  rebel?  Oh, 


44  A  PRETTY  TORY 

for  peace'  sake  do  not  let  my  father  hear  you.  He 
has  been  giving  me  a  long  account  to-day  of  the 
iniquitous  doings  of  the  partisans  here,  and  truth 
to  say  my  head  is  somewhat  bewildered." 

"  Look  yonder,"  interrupted  Margot,  suddenly 
waving  her  hand  as  the  sound  of  a  galloping  horse 
was  heard  coming  toward  them.  Geraldine's  eye 
followed  the  gesture,  and  as  she  rose  to  her  feet  she 
saw  a  pretty  picture.  Over  the  thicket  where 
grew  the  cherokee  roses,  some  quarter  of  a  mile 
from  the  house,  came  flying  a  handsome  chestnut 
filly,  her  neck  stretched  high,  her  head  well  up  as 
her  heels  cleared  the  top,  and  on  her  back  a  slen 
der  figure  who,  laughing  and  waving  her  hand  in 
salute,  galloped  swiftly  up  to  the  door. 

"  Rose,  Rose,  my  own  dear  Rose  !  "  cried  Geral- 
dine,  running  down  the  steps  just  in  time  to  catch 
the  pretty  creature  who  bounded  from  the  saddle 
into  her  outstretched  arms.  "  Rose  !  "  —  holding 
her  at  arm's  length,  and  surveying  every  laugh 
ing  feature  —  "it  is  really  you,  and  just  as  dear 
and  merry  as  when  I  left  you  three  long  years 
ago." 

"  And  twenty  times  as  naughty,"  returned  the 
newcomer ;  "  my  father  says  I  will  never  learn  to 
be  grown  up  and  proper.  But  you  —  oh,  Jerry, 
Jerry,  to  think  you  have  seen  the  world,  and  even 
courtesied  before  the  king  —  not  that  I  love  the 
king"  -  with  a  charming  blush  at  tripping  in  her 
speech  —  "  but  the  gay,  beautiful  London  and  the 
gallants  there  —  though  I  do  suppose  I  should 


AT  GLENMOIRA  45 

hate  them  violently  if  they  dared  sneer  at  us 
'  rebels.' " 

"  Rose,  Rose,  remember  in  whose  house  you 
stand  —  and  for  the  matter  of  that  you  know  that 
I  am,  as  of  old,  a  Tory." 

Rose  Telfair  flashed  a  merry,  wicked  glance  at 
her  friend  as  she  ran  lightly  up  the  steps,  and  a 
little  black  boy  came  running  from  the  servants' 
quarters  to  take  the  chestnut  mare. 

"  A  Tory  ?  verily  you  have  not  that  air,  try  as 
you  may.  It 's  tiresome  enough  in  the  city  where 
the  officers'  dames  turn  their  backs — and  extremely 
ugly,  badly  dressed  backs  they  are  to  boot  —  and 
endeavor  not  to  see  me,  when  if  they  but  knew  it 
I  would  not  stop  and  speak  to  them  —  no  !  not  for 
twenty  pounds,"  and  Rose  ended  more  hotly  than 
she  began. 

"A  truce  to  politics,"  said  Geraldine  gently. 
"  Here  's  Margot  waiting  for  a  word  from  you." 
Margot  courtesied,  but  the  impulsive  girl's  arms 
were  thrown  round  her  neck,  and  Rose  kissed  the 
ruddy  cheek  with  a  hearty  affection  which  brought 
tears  to  the  Scotchwoman's  eyes. 

"  Ah,  but  you  favor  Maister  Roy ;  the  same 
eyes  wi'  the  laughing  glint  in  them,  the  same  wav 
ing  chestnut  hair,  and  will  you  never  stop  growing, 
Mistress  Rose,"  glancing  up  at  the  slender  figure, 
which  was  unusually  tall  for  a  woman ;  "  mair  by 
token  as  ye  overtop  my  young  leddy." 

"How  do  you  know  that  I  resemble  Roy  so 
closely?"  asked  Rose  with  a  mischievous  smile, 


46  A  PRETTY  TORY 

which  set  Margot's  cheeks  tingling  at  her  slip  of 
the  tongue,  but  which  Geraldine  did  not  catch  the 
meaning  of. 

"  Hoot,  d'  y'  think  I  've  forgotten,"  said  Margot, 
recovering  herself  quickly.  "  Mony  's  the  time 
Elspeth  and  I  said  ye  might  pass  for  twins,  the 
likeness  was  sae  great  between  ye.  Do  ye  need 
mair  flowers,  Mistress  Geraldine,  or  are  these  eno' 
for  the  vases  ?  " 

"  Quite  enough,  Margot,  and  I  '11  leave  them  to 
you  to  finish.  Rose  and  I  are  going  to  my  own 
room." 

Inside  the  square  hall  rose  a  winding  staircase 
with  solid  mahogany  balustrade,  and  the  rooms 
above  opened  on  a  gallery  which  ran  around  it. 
Into  one  of  these  Geraldine  guided  Rose,  and 
pulling  a  high  chair  forward  to  the  window  seated 
her  guest,  while  she  took  refuge  on  a  quaint  settle 
beside  her. 

"  What  a  lovely  room !  "  said  Rose  ;  "  those  cur 
tains  of  pale  yellow  are  most  novel.  And  the  bed 
drapery  is  the  same;  are  these  the  last  London 
mode?" 

"  My  father  ordered  them  last  year,  and  I  found 
the  room  just  as  you  see  it  when  I  arrived." 

"  And  your  gowns  "  —  eagerly  —  "  where  are 
your  gowns,  Geraldine?  I  trust  you  come  back 
prepared  to  dazzle  the  eyes  of  the  Tory  dames  m 
Savannah,  for  we  poor  Whigs  are  fain  to  wear 
last  year's  costumes,  being  too  proud  to  ape  those 
of  a  foreign  court." 


AT  GLENMOIRA  47 

"  Gowns,  aye ;  but  let  us  not  trouble  with  these 
just  now,  Rose.  I  —  I  have  so  much  to  say  to 
you  ;  have  you  patience  to  listen  ?  " 

"  Surely ;  1  meant  no  harm  by  my  silly  desire 
to  see  the  wardrobe  of  a  woman  of  fashion. 
What  troubles  you  ?  or  are  you  grown  too  staid 
to  frolic  with  your  old  playfellow  ?  " 

"  Never,"  said  Geraldiue,  with  quiet  emphasis, 
"  but  I  scarce  feel  in  frolicsome  mood  to-day.  What 
air  would  you  think  becoming  to  a  maid  who  is 
bidden  to  receive  a  suitor  who  comes  with  her 
father's  consent  to  ask  her  hand  in  marriage  ?  " 

"  It  would  greatly  depend  on  the  suitor  ;  who  is 
he  ?  what  is  he  like  ?  are  you  madly  in  love  ?  " 
Rose  poured  out  question  after  question,  and  Geral- 
dine's  laugh  rang  out  blithely.  It  seemed  impos 
sible  to  be  serious  and  sedate  with  Rose  ;  evidently 
the  gravity  of  the  situation  did  not  impress  her. 

"  You  have  not  changed  a  particle  in  these  three 
years.  How  can  I  tell  you  what  he  is  like  when  I 
have  never  yet  set  eyes  on  him  ?  " 

"  Good  lack !  this  is  quite  in  royal  fashion. 
And  who  may  the  suitor  be  ?  " 

"  Colonel  Banastre  Tarleton,  of  England,  for 
merly  aide  to  Lord  Cornwallis  ;  but  my  father  tells 
me  that  he  now  commands  a  legion  made  up  of 
Georgia  and  New  York  loyalists,  and  that  he  was 
most  prominent  at  the  taking  of  Charleston." 

"  Colonel  Tarleton  !  "  Rose  ejaculated,  then 
stopped  short  and  bit  her  lip.  "  How  comes  it 
tliat  you  are  plighted  to  him  ?  " 


48  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  I  am  not  plighted  yet,"  responded  Geraldine 
somewhat  warmly. 

"  Oh,  but  you  said  "— 

"That  he  comes  here  to-day,  unless  some  ill 
fortune  of  war  detain  him.  You  do  misjudge  me ; 
am  I  the  style  of  maiden  who  can  be  won  before 
she  is  wooed?  My  father  is  an  old  and  bosom 
friend  of  Colonel  Tarleton's  father,  and  so  —  and 
so"  — 

"  I  see  ;  they  have  arranged  the  match  between 
them.  Well?" 

"  I  had  not  given  you  my  confidence  had  I  sup 
posed  you  lacked  interest  in  my  fate,"  said  Geral 
dine,  with  heightened  color. 

"  Nay,  nay,"  cried  Rose,  seizing  her  hand,  "  I 
did  not  mean  to  anger  you.  Go  on,  tell  me 
more ;  you  know  how  I  love  you.  It  was  my  sur 
prise  that  made  me  seem  petulant.  Forgive  it." 

"  I  scarcely  know  what  to  say  ;  my  father  tells 
me  the  gentleman  is  young,  handsome,  brave,  and 
rich.     Sometimes  I  think  I  am  fortunate,  then  — 
I  know  not  why  —  I  loathe  him." 

"  Is  there  "  -  Rose  hesitated.  "  Geraldine,  is 
there  perchance  another  ?  have  you  left  your  heart 
behind  you  in  London  ?  " 

"No,  no"  —with  burning  cheeks.  "  But  duti 
ful  daughter  though  I  am  and  desire  to  be,  I  feel 
such  strange  reluctance  to  this  project." 

"  Wait  and  see  the  gentleman,"  said  Rose,  with 
cool  philosophy;  "did  you  say  he  was  expected 
to-day?" 


AT  GLENMOIRA  49 

"  Yes,  and  my  father  has  bidden  a  party  from 
the  fort  to  dine  with  us  and  to  meet  him,  also  sev 
eral  friends  from  the  city.  I  heard  Margot  telling 
Jupiter  to  set  the  table  and  put  out  the  new  silver 
plate  which  came  from  England  a  month  ago ;  did 
you  not  see  me  arranging  the  roses  as  you  came  in  ? 
Stay  with  me,  Rose,  and  grace  my  first  dinner  with 
your  charming  presence." 

"  In  my  habit,  and  to  meet  all  those  redcoats  ? 
Truly,  you  forget  that  I  am  both  Whig  and  rebel ; 
I  should  be  the  skeleton  at  your  feast." 

"  I  have  done  nothing  but  talk  of  my  own  affairs 
and  am  self-reproached.  'T  is  my  turn  to  question 
now  as  to  the  state  of  your  affections,"  with  mock 
gravity. 

"  I  knew  that  would  be  your  next  question.  No, 
the  tender  passion  has  not  yet  touched  my  heart. 
I  am  constant  to  my  childish  hero  —  my  brother 
Roy." 

"  And  Roy  —  what  of  him  ?  "  said  Geraldine 
softly.  "  I  did  not  ask  because  " 

"  Because  you  have  doubtless  heard  him  called 
rebel  and  traitor,"  cried  Rose ;  "  do  not  fear  to 
confess  it.  I  have  heard  Colonel  Moncriffe  ex 
press  his  opinion  to  my  father,  and  —  in  no  mea 
sured  terms  —  my  father's  reply." 

"  Alas,  upon  what  times  have  I  fallen  to  return 
to  my  country !  Rose,  Rose,  do  not  let  this  war 
part  you  and  me." 

Rose  sprang  to  her  feet.  "You  have  heard 
one  view  from  your  father ;  now  hear  mine.  Be- 


50  A  PRETTY  TORY 

cause  we  will  not  take  oath  of  allegiance  to  a 
king  whose  yoke  we  have  thrown  off  and  whose 
armies  we  have  defeated,  —  aye,  many  times,  —  we 
are  hounded  like  outlaws.  Since  Savannah  has 
been  taken  by  the  British,  since  the  siege,  even 
the  country-folk  are  forbidden  to  sell  their  pro 
duce  to  us,  and  rewards  were  offered  by  the 
British  officers  for  the  detection  of  every  citizen 
who  adhered  to  the  Whig  cause.  Were  not  the 
Clark,  the  Dayton,  and  the  Mclntosh  houses 
guarded  and  the  women  of  the  families  confined 
within  them,  their  only  offense  being  that  their 
fathers,  sons,  and  brothers  were  in  arms  for  their 
liberties  ?  Did  they  not  try  to  hold  my  own  dear 
father  on  our  plantation  as  hostage  for  a  British 
officer  of  rank  whom  Colonel  Marion  captured  in 
one  of  his  daring  raids,  coming  abnost  to  the  city 
limits  ?  You  ask  for  Roy ;  —  he  is  out  there, 
somewhere  in  the  swamp,  with  his  dashing  leader, 
serving  gallantly  through  hardships  untold  for  the 
great  and  glorious  cause  of  Freedom." 

The  fire  of  patriotism  blazed  in  the  hazel  eyes 
as  they  flashed  upon  Geraldine,  but  the  glowing 
blue  ones  flung  back  the  challenge. 

"  You  speak  as  you  have  been  reared  to  do,  and 
so  will  I.  My  duty  and  loyalty  are  for  the  king, 
whose  faithful  subject  I  am,  now  and  always." 

"  Do  you  mean  it  ?  " 

Rose's  low  cry  of  anguish  smote  Geraldine  to 
the  heart,  but  she  went  on  calmly  :  "  We  will 
never  mention  this  subject  again :  I  would  be 


AT  GLENMOIRA  51 

false  alike  to  my  father  and  myself  if  I  permitted 
it.     Rose,  dear  Rose,  forgive  me." 

"  Farewell !  "  The  lovely,  laughing  face  was  set 
in  stern  lines  as  the  mournful  word  left  her  lips  ; 
slowly  Rose  stooped  and  kissed  her  friend  on  the 
brow.  "  The  day  may  come  when  you,  too,  will 
know  that  love  of  country  is  an  all-absorbing 
passion  beside  which  kings  and  crowns  crumble 
and  decay,"  and  before  Geraldine  had  time  to 
fully  realize  the  significance  of  her  words  and 
action,  Rose  vanished  across  the  threshold,  and  ere 
Geraldine  could  follow  and  detain  her  the  sound 
of  the  chestnut's  galloping  feet  reached  her  ears, 
as  horse  and  rider  sped  down  the  road  and  were 
lost  to  view  among  the  myrtle  trees. 


CHAPTER  V 

UNEXPECTED   GUESTS 

"  JUPITER,  tell  your  mistress  that  I  await  her 
presence  in  the  drawing-room." 

"  Yes,  Marse  Colonel." 

"And  fetch  the  decanters  of  cognac  and  port 
at  once,  and  see  that  Margot  has  the  chambers 
ready." 

"  Yes,  Marse  Colonel,"  and  Jupiter  vanished  as 
Colonel  Moncriffe  ushered  his  visitors  with  stately 
courtesy  across  the  square  hall  and  up  the  stair 
case  into  the  drawing-room,  whose  wide  door  stood 
invitingly  open  to  receive  them. 

"  I  crave  your  pardon  for  our  somewhat  untidy 
appearance,"  said  Tarleton,  throwing  himself  into 
an  armchair  as  Captain  Halleck  followed  his  host 
into  the  room.  "  We  stopped  half  an  hour  at  the 
fort,  leaving  my  troopers  there,  and  trusting  to 
Halleck's  recollection  for  the  road.  My  orderly 
is  somewhat  behind  us ;  his  saddle  girth  broke 
and  we  left  him  patching  it  up  as  we  rode  along." 

"Your  portmanteaux  reached  here  yesterday," 
said  Colonel  Moncriffe  ;  "  Colonel  Prevost  sent  them 
down  by  pack-horse,  and  one  of  my  blacks  will 
attend  you  gentlemen  at  your  toilets.  I  think  you 


UNEXPECTED  GUESTS  53 

will  find  him  a  clever  valet,  for  I  devoted  some 
time  to  his  training." 

"  I  appreciate  your  kindness  ;  faith,  't  is  so  long 
since  Halleck  and  I  have  doffed  our  uniforms  that 
other  clothes  will  set  awkwardly  upon  us.  What 
a  fine  mansion  you  have  here,  colonel, "  gazing 
around  him  at  the  costly  furniture  and  carved 
pillars  which  divided  the  entrance  to  the  hall ;  "I 
could  fancy  myself  once  again  in  London  except 
for  the  clinging  jasmine  vines  outside  the  window, 
and  the  mocking  bird  singing  yonder  in  the 
thicket." 

Colonel  Moncriffe  colored  with  pleasure.  "  You 
compliment  me,  sir ;  may  I  offer  you  a  glass  of 
cognac  ?  What 's  that,  Jupiter  ?  I  fail  to  catch 
your  message." 

"  Yes,  marse,"  said  Jupiter,  who  with  silver 
salver  and  glasses  stood  bowing  at  his  elbow. 
"  Young  Missy  begs  you  '11  'cuse  her  as  she  's  oc 
cupied  wid  de  young  ladies  dat  come  two  hours 
ago,  an'  she  '11  hab  de  pleasure  ob  seeing  de 
gentlemen  later." 

A  quick  frown  passed  over  Colonel  Moncriffe's 
face,  but  recovering  himself  he  said  with  good 
humor,  "  I  had  forgotten  our  fair  guests,  Mistress 
Molly  and  Anne  Durbeville,  who  have  driven  out 
from  Savannah  to  join  our  party  this  evening. 
Gentlemen,  I  make  my  daughter's  excuses,  and 
will,  if  you  permit  me,  escort  you  to  your  cham 
bers."  So  with  Jupiter  following  he  led  the  way 
down  to  the  right  whig  of  the  mansion,  where 


54  A  PRETTY  TORY 

were  the  suite  of  rooms  on  the  first  floor  known 
as  "bachelor  quarters,"  and  reserved  for  all  un 
married  guests. 

At  the  first  door  stood  Phoebus  (the  blackest 
sort  of  darky,  named  after  the  Sun-god  in  a  mo 
ment  of  satire  by  his  master),  and  beside  him  a 
droll  little  assistant  in  the  person  of  Cupid,  his  ten- 
year-old  son,  whose  chubby  face  and  rolling  black 
eyes  instantly  attracted  the  attention  of  the 
guests. 

"  By  Gad,  you  're  a  knowing-looking  specimen," 
said  Halleck,  unbuckling  his  sword  and  flinging 
himself  upon  a  couch  which  stood  invitingly  be 
neath  the  open  window  ;  "  here,  boy,  can  you  pull 
off  my  riding-boots  ?  " 

"  Yes,  Marse  Redcoat,"  grinned  Cupid,  as  he 
saw  his  father  perform  the  same  office  for  Colonel 
Tarleton  in  the  chamber  adjoining,  whence  pre 
sently  came  a  sound  of  splashing  water  and  other 
evidences  of  the  performance  of  a  toilet.  Halleck, 
with  Cupid's  assistance,  was  proceeding  in  a  lei 
surely  manner  to  induct  himself  into  a  suit  of 
clothes  which  he  had  dragged  from  his  portmanteau, 
when  there  came  a  knock  on  the  door  of  his  room. 
Cupid  sprang  to  open  it,  and  on  the  threshold 
stood  the  trooper,  Burt. 

"  Beg  pardon,  captain ;  I  came  to  report  my 
self." 

"  Colonel  Tarleton  is  in  the  next  room  ;  any 
thing  the  matter,  Burt?  you  look  troubled." 

"  Nothing  much,  sir ;  I  have  been  thinking  ever 


UNEXPECTED  GUESTS  55 

since  that  Indian  girl's  escape  that  some  scheme 
is  afoot,  —  perhaps  an  Indian  outbreak,  —  and  I 
made  bold  to  say  as  much  at  the  fort." 

"  Afraid  ?  eh  ?  "  Burt  flushed,  but  a  queer 
smile  lighted  his  face  as  he  shook  his  head. 

"  Not  I,  captain.  But  here  on  this  plantation 
it  would  be  an  easy  matter  to  capture  " 

"  Who  talks  of  capture  ?  "  Tarleton's  door  was 
thrown  open  and  he  appeared  fully  dressed  in  all 
the  bravery  of  satin  and  lace,  with  his  hair  pow 
dered  and  tied  in  a  queue,  a  strikingly  handsome, 
elegant  figure.  "  Is  that  you,  Burt  ?  What  are 
you  croaking  about  ?  Have  you  not  found  your 
quarters,  or  what 's  amiss  ?  " 

Burt  saluted  gravely.  "  I  made  bold  to  tell 
them  at  the  fort  of  our  adventure  in  the  forest, 
and  they  '11  post  an  extra  sentry  to-night,  sir,  in 
the  direction  of  this  plantation." 

"  Very  good,  you  may  retire,"  and  Burt  disap 
peared. 

.  "  I  vow,  Tarleton,  you  are  in  luck,"  said  Hal- 
leek,  with  an  envious  glance  at  his  friend ;  "  how 
came  you  to  essay  powder?  My  ambitions  had 
not  reached  that  point,  though  I  have  put  on  ruf 
fles,"  and  he  surveyed  himself  with  an  air  of  vast 
satisfaction  in  the  mirror  above  the  mahogany 
dressing-table. 

"  Sit  down  and  let  my  black  fellow  arrange 
you,"  said  Tarleton,  laughing.  "  He  seems  a  neat 
hand  at  a  perruque." 

"  Bress  de  Lord,  Marse  Colonel  teach  me  'bout 


66  A  PRETTY  TORY 

dressing  de  hayd  long  time  ago,"  said  Phoebus, 
waving  his  powder-puff  solemnly.  "  Cupid,  you 
jes'  stand  an'  hold  de  box,  and  obliterate  de  rug 
wif  it,"  and  while  the  much  amused  officer  sub 
mitted  to  the  hair-dressing  operation,  Tarleton 
walked  up  and  down  the  apartment,  his  head  bowed 
in  deep  thought. 

Upstairs  the  mansion  was  the  scene  of  busy 
preparation.  When  guests  came  to  dine  at  Glen- 
moira,  they  and  their  horses  and  chariots  were 
always  put  up  for  the  night,  and  on  this,  the 
re-opening  of  the  hospitalities  of  the  family,  every 
arrangement  had  been  made  in  the  most  lavish 
manner.  Margot,  presiding  with  great  dignity 
over  a  corps  of  black  servants,  detailed  a  maid  to 
each  of  the  different  guests,  reserving  to  herself 
and  a  bright,  pretty  mulatto  girl  named  Ginger 
the  delightful  task  of  completing  Geraldine's  toilet. 
Well  did  Margot  know  what  was  in  the  wind  of 
matrimonial  possibilities,  and  mingled  with  her 
loving  admiration  of  her  young  mistress  was  very 
decided  disapprobation,  which,  however,  she  was 
sufficiently  shrewd  to  keep  to  herself. 

An  hour  later  Geraldine  stood  beside  her  proud 
and  satisfied  father  in  the  drawing-room  as  Colonel 
Tarleton  was  announced  in  a  loud  voice  by  Jupiter, 
who  prided  himself  upon  his  sonorous  accents  on 
all  social  occasions.  Profound  was  the  bow  and 
deep  the  courtesy  with  which  the  pair  saluted  each 
other,  and  Tarleton's  dark,  handsome  eyes  were 
fixed  with  admiration  on  the  beautiful  young  girl 


UNEXPECTED  GUESTS  57 

whose  hand  he  ventured  to  kiss  in  courtly  fashion. 
Dressed  entirely  in  white,  with  a  shining  train  of 
satin,  with  her  exquisite  neck  and  bosom  slightly 
veiled  in  lace,  her  hair  guiltless  of  powder,  and 
around  her  lovely  throat  a  string  of  priceless  opals 
(the  gift  of  a  princely  Stuart  to  her  grandmother), 
Geraldine's  blue  eyes  smiled  graciously  upon  her 
suitor,  whose  passionate,  fickle  heart  went  down 
before  her  beauty,  and  made  her  the  one  genuine 
love  of  his  bold,  reckless  life. 

The  gay  and  brilliant  company  were  handed  out 
in  the  fashion  of  the  day,  the  gentlemen  conduct 
ing  the  ladies  by  their  finger-tips.  Colonel  Mon- 
criffe  led  the  way  with  Lady  Dolly  Menteith,  the 
sister-in-law  of  the  commandant  at  the  fort,  and 
Geraldine  followed  with  Captain  Sir  Charles 
Adderly,  of  the  fleet  now  stationed  off  New  York, 
who,  in  obedience  to  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  desire  to 
know  the  exact  situation  at  Savannah,  was  making 
a  brief  visit  to  Colonel  Prevost.  Tarleton,  to 
whom  was  assigned  pretty  Mistress  Anne  Durbe- 
ville,  found  himself  seated  at  Geraldine's  left,  to 
his  infinite  satisfaction,  and  he  proceeded  to  put 
all  his  power  of  fascination  at  work  to  interest  the 
charming  young  hostess.  But  he  soon  found  that 
it  was  no  easy  task  to  rivet  her  attention  ;  the  blue 
eyes  that  were  by  turns  so  playful,  mischievous 
and  alluring,  were  also  disdainful  and  a  trifle 
haughty  ;  never  had  he  seen  so  tantalizing  a  beauty, 
and  as  one  witty  story  after  another  fell  from  his 
lips,  and  the  conversation  of  the  entire  table  uncon- 


68  A  PRETTY  TORY 

sciously  turned  to  him,  Tarleton  vowed  that  "  The 
Blue  Bell  of  Scotland"  should  be  his,  and  his 
alone. 

"  Do  you  know,  colonel,"  said  Lady  Dolly 
Menteith  to  her  host,  "  I  spent  the  time  I  was 
driving  out  this  afternoon  in  little  thrills  of  ex 
citement  and  with  a  cold,  creeping  feeling  going 
up  and  down  my  spine,  fancying  that  perchance 
I  might  be  ambushed  by  Indians,  or  have  some 
wonderful  adventure  to  carry  back  to  England 
with  me  as  a  reminiscence  of  my  sojourn  here." 

"  Indians  !  "  said  Molly  Durbeville,  at  the  other 
side  of  her  host ;  "  you  are  more  likely  to  suffer 
from  a  raid  of  Marion's  men.  Good  lack,  they 
have  been  more  daring  than  ever  of  late  ;  did  you 
hear,  colonel,  of  the  capture  of  Mr.  Sylvester  by 
them  as  he  was  riding  into  the  city  ?  And  it  was 
in  broad  daylight,  too." 

"  They  are  a  most  daring  rebel  crew,"  replied 
Colonel  Moncriffe,  "  but  you  need  suffer  no  appre 
hension,  Lady  Dolly,  for  I  believe  they  confine 
themselves  to  capturing  men,  and  the  fair  sex  has 
so  far  escaped." 

"  But  't  is  deliciously  romantic ;  why,  one  feels 
quite  like  Hampstead  Heath  and  '  stand  and  de 
liver,'  highwayman  fashion.  Do  these  gentlemen 
rebels  demand  one's  purse  and  jewels  ?  " 

"  At  all  events  we  will  try  to  protect  you  from 
having  to  answer  your  own  question,  Lady  Dolly. 
I  cannot  tell  you  what  pleasure  it  gives  me  to  see 
you  at  my  table  and  beneath  my  roof,"  said  Colo- 


UNEXPECTED  GUESTS  59 

nel  Moncriffe,  bestowing  a  glance  of  admiration 
upon  the  lady,  who  promptly  resumed  the  coquetry 
for  which  she  was  famous. 

"  That  was  a  maladroit  remark,"  whispered 
Molly  Durbeville  to  her  right-hand  neighbor,  a 
young  officer  from  the  fort  named  Selwyn ;  "  from 
being  the  dearest  friends,  I  hear  that  our  host  has 
fallen  out  with  Mr.  Telfair,  ever  since  the  affair 
of  the  magazine,  when  that  gentleman  assisted  the 
Whigs  to  carry  off  the  king's  powder." 

"  Is  n't  there  a  young  Telfair  who  has  joined 
the  raiders  recently  ?  "  asked  Selwyn. 

"  Aye,  Roy  Telfair  ;  so  't  is  said,  but  you  know 
an  atmosphere  of  mystery  surrounds  the  whole 
thing.  No  one  knows  who  belongs  to  Marion's 
force  ;  he  has  friends  and  sympathizers  everywhere. 
If  it  were  not  that  your  coat  is  scarlet  I  might 
even  suspect  you,"  and  Molly  laughed  roguishly, 
in  the  ensign's  face.  "  What  think  you  of  our 
young  hostess  ?  Is  she  not  marvelously  beautiful  ? 
We  were  playmates  before  she  went  to  England, 
and  no  one  was  so  great  a  favorite  as  she  among 
us." 

But  Selwyn,  with  wisdom  beyond  his  years,  was 
careful  in  his  reply,  and  the  conversation  between 
him  and  his  teasing  companion  soon  turned  upon 
more  personal  subjects. 

The  dinner  was  nearly  over,  the  cloth  had  been 
removed,  and  Colonel  Moncriffe  had  proposed  the 
health  of  his  guest  Colonel  Tarleton  in  most  glow 
ing  terms,  and  Tarleton  rose  to  answer  and  to  give 


60  A  PRETTY  TORY 

the  toast  in  return.  Wine  had  flowed  freely,  and 
several  of  the  men  around  the  table  were  beginning 
to  show  its  effects,  but  Tarleton,  beyond  a  slight 
flush  and  perhaps  added  fluency  of  expression,  dis 
played  no  trace  of  his  cups. 

"  I  am  somewhat  put  to  the  blush,"  he  said,  "  in 
responding  to  sentiments  which  are  beyond  the 
measure  of  my  deserts.  I  have  been  for  some 
four  years  a  resident  of  these  colonies,  —  colonies 
so  fair  that  Great  Britain  cannot  forego  her  claim 
to  them.  And  not  alone  does  the  mother  country 
desire  to  retain  her  lands,  but  her  gallant  sons  and 
lovely  daughters  as  well,  who,  though  born  on  this 
soil,  are  still  hers  by  descent  and  kinship.  I 
drink,  therefore,  to  our  bewitching  hostess,  fair 
Mistress  Geraldine,  on  this  her  home-coming  after 
a  three  years'  absence,  and  with  this  sentiment ; 
To  the  American  White  Rose,  and  may  she  deign 
to  smile  on  the  pretensions  of  the  humblest  of  her 
slaves,  who  wears  the  colors  of  the  king,"  and 
bending  forward  with  glass  in  hand  Tarleton 
plucked  a  ruby  rose  from  the  vase  before  him, 
which  he  extended  to  Geraldine ;  but  before  she 
could  accept  or  refuse  it,  it  was  snatched  from  his 
hand  and  a  clear,  calm  voice,  which  rang  distinctly 
out  above  the  clash  of  glasses,  said  sternly,  — 

"  Go  seek  your  roses  elsewhere  !  Gentlemen, 
you  are  my  prisoners  !  " 

Geraldine  sprang  to  her  feet  and  looked  around 
the  apartment.  In  each  window  and  at  the  door 
stood  armed  men,  —  men  in  the  motley  garb  of 


UNEXPECTED  GUESTS  61 

green  and  brown,  but  stern  of  face  and  with  their 
guns  leveled,  as  the  keen  eyes  glanced  down  the 
barrels  and  waited  for  their  leader's  command, 
which  followed  swiftly. 

"  Protect  the  ladies  —  seize  every  man  and  se 
cure  him  ;  let  none  escape." 

With  a  fierce  oath  Tarleton  rushed  upon  his 
captor,  but  powerful  as  he  was  he  was  unarmed, 
and  in  hand  to  hand  wrestling  was  no  match  for 
the  agile  American.  Panting  and  breathless  with 
rage,  his  lace  ruffles  torn,  and  his  satin  coat 
stained  with  wine,  he  was  placed  in  a  chair,  his 
hands  bound  behind  him,  while  Colonel  Moncriffe 
was  struggling  and  shouting  in  despair  at  the 
other  end  of  the  room. 

"  Villains,  thieves,  murderers,  how  dare  ye  in 
vade  a  man's  house  and  insult  his  guests  in  this 
fashion !  But  you  shall  pay  dearly  for  it ;  oh,  I 
know  whence  you  come.  You  are  Marion's  men, 
—  that  foul  traitor  who  raids  thus  on  innocent  wo 
men,  —  and  no  doubt  your  leader  can  be  bought, 
if  the  ransom  be  but  high  enough.  Where  are 
my  slaves  ?  Jupiter,  Sambo,  Phoebus,  —  will  you 
see  your  master  made  prisoner  thus  —  oh,  vil 
lains  "  —  and  he  sank  almost  speechless  with 
wrath  on  the  settle  beside  Lady  Dolly  Menteith, 
who  began  to  sob  violently. 

"  Here,  good  Master  Robbers,  take  my  jewels  — 
my  necklace,  my  bracelets  —  but  spare  my  life, 
and  let  me  but  get  back  to  Savannah  in 
safety." 


62  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"Tarleton,"  shouted  Halleck  from  the  seat 
where  he  also  was  pinioned,  —  "  where  's  Burt  ? 
Call,  and  perhaps  he  '11  hear  you." 

"  Gone  to  the  devil,"  retorted  Tarleton,  furi 
ously  ;  "  oh,  for  my  sword ;  I  'd  soon  settle  you, 
sir,"  and  he  glared  at  the  leader,  who  stood  quietly 
beside  him. 

"  I  shall  be  at  Colonel  Tarleton's  disposition  at 
any  time  when  the  fortunes  of  war  do  not  compel 
me  to  make  him  prisoner,"  was  the  stranger's 
answer. 

The  whole  attack  and  capture  had  taken  place 
with  the  greatest  rapidity,  and  Geraldine,  clinging 
with  one  hand  to  the  table,  in  her  first  fright, 
cast  her  eyes  rapidly  about  her,  —  the  black  ser 
vants  had  evidently  been  secured  first,  outside ; 
she  had  not  noticed  that  when  the  toasts  began 
Jupiter  and  his  assistants  had  withdrawn,  and  the 
entrance  of  the  Rangers  had  been  so  skillfully 
planned  that  with  every  eye  turned  upon  Tarleton 
no  one  had  seen  the  unexpected  guests.  What 
could  she  do  to  rescue  her  father  and  their  friends  ? 
Oh,  for  a  chance  to  slip  out  and  mount  her  horse  — 
or  should  she  make  appeal  to  the  leader,  whose  voice 
seemed  strangely  familiar?  Where  was  Mar- 
got  —  where  ?  But  just  at  the  moment  that  these 
thoughts  were  whirling  through  her  brain,  she 
felt  some  one  touch  her  foot  underneath  the  table, 
and  the  start  and  exclamation  she  gave  passed 
unheard  amid  Lady  Dolly's  screams,  and  the 
general  hubbub  which  prevailed  among  the  guests, 


UNEXPECTED  GUESTS  63 

for  every  one  was  talking,  the  ladies  crying,  the 
men  swearing,  and  the  only  silent  ones  were  those 
grim  Rangers  in  green.  Looking  down  cautiously, 
Geraldine  saw  peeping  out,  beneath  the  mahogany 
table,  a  small  woolly  head  and  the  rolling  eyes 
that  could  only  belong  to  Cupid,  who,  for  some 
purpose  best  known  to  himself,  had  carefully 
hidden  there  before  the  dinner  began,  fallen 
asleep,  and  only  waked  at  this  very  exciting 
moment. 

Geraldine  was  quick  of  wit;  with  a  sudden 
movement  she  contrived  to  overturn  the  massive 
candelabra  which  with  its  wax  lights  stood  on  the 
table  before  her,  and  as  the  cry  of  alarm  sounded 
through  the  room  (which  was  rendered  dim  for 
the  moment,  though  not  entirely  dark),  she  bent 
down  as  if  to  gather  up  her  train  and  seized  Cupid 
by  the  arm. 

"  Quick,  crawl  on  your  hands  and  knees  to  the 
pantry  window  —  drop  down  to  the  ground  from 
it,  and  fly  up  the  road  to  the  fort  for  help." 

Frightened,  but  still  capable  of  obedience,  the 
boy  crept  along  under  the  table,  which  extended 
nearly  the  length  of  the  room,  and  once  at  the 
end,  it  was  easy  for  him  in  the  confusion  which 
the  rolling  candles  had  made  to  escape  observation 
and  find  the  pantry  door.  Cupid  was  an  adept  in 
climbing  trees  for  bird-nesting  purposes,  and  had 
often  received  chastisement  at  the  hands  of  his 
mother  for  indulging  in  that  pastime  ;  therefore  he 
slid  down  from  the  pantry  window  by  a  catalpa 


64  A  PRETTY  TORY 

tree  with  the  agility  of  a  monkey,  and  in  three 
minutes  more  was  tearing  along  the  avenue,  dodg 
ing  in  and  out  of  bushes,  and  making  for  the  road 
which  led  to  the  city. 


"  WHIST,  mon,  are  ye  there  ?  " 

It  was  a  very  low,  soft  whisper,  and  Margot 
crept  along  cautiously  in  the  dark  passage  con 
necting  the  servants'  quarters  with  the  house. 
On  the  brick  floor  lay  the  figure  of  a  man,  evi 
dently  bound,  for  just  before  she  spoke  he  had 
been  endeavoring  to  roll  himself  along  nearer  the 
door  which  opened  on  the  porch ;  but  at  her 
whisper  he  lay  still,  and  answered  with  equal 
caution :  — 

"  Who  are  you  ?  " 

"  I  've  come  to  let  you  free  of  your  bonds  ;  those 
above  "  —  mysteriously  —  "  told  me  when  I  heard 
an  owl  hoot  beneath  the  willow  you  were  to  be 
freed,"  and  stooping  down  she  cut  the  band  which 
held  his  arms  and  legs,  with  a  knife  which  she 
concealed  behind  her.  "  I  'm  thinking  that  knot 
was  na  drawn  over  snugly,"  she  said,  with  a  grim 
smile  ;  "  perhaps  like  some  ithers  ye  are  not  pre 
cisely  what  you  seem." 

"  Hush,"  said  Burt,  as  he  regained  his  feet, 
"give  me  your  knife  —  I've  a  part  to  play  as 
well  as  you,"  and  snatching  it  from  her  he  felt 


66  A  PRETTY  TORY 

his  way  in  the  dark  to  the  door,  behind  which 
he  crouched  as  Margot  departed  silently  as  she 
came. 

Above  stairs  the  uproar  and  confusion  which 
had  attended  the  capture  of  Colonel  Moncriffe 
and  his  guests  was  beginning  to  subside.  Geral- 
dine  drew  back  from  the  table,  where  she  had  made 
her  daring  attempt  to  assist  Cupid's  escape,  and 
in  the  dim  light  she  saw  the  Rangers  lead  their 
prisoners  out  of  the  door,  and  knew  by  the  sound 
that  they  were  being  taken  down  the  staircase. 
The  ladies  rushed  after  their  respective  husbands 
and  friends,  sobbing  and  imploring,  except  Lady 
Dolly,  who  was  indulging  comfortably  in  hysterics 
on  the  settle,  and  Molly  Durbeville,  who  en 
deavored  to  compose  her.  Geraldine  gave  a 
terrified  glance  around,  and  then  flew  through 
the  open  door. 

"  Father,  father,  where  are  you  ? "  she  cried, 
sudden  terror  getting  the  better  of  her  as  she 
realized  that  perhaps  he  was  being  borne  from 
her,  and  frantic  thoughts  rushed  through  her 
brain  of  what  Marion  might  deem  fit  reprisals  for 
the  indignities  heaped  upon  the  Whigs  of  Sa 
vannah.  But  as  she  reached  the  stairs  the  tall 
figure  of  the  leader  barred  her  passage. 

"  Stand  aside,  sir,"  she  ordered  haughtily  ;  "  do 
you  forbid  a  daughter  to  seek  her  unfortunate 
parent  ?  " 

"  You  will  not  find  him  below ;  in  accordance 
with  my  instructions  we  have  left  Colonel  Mon- 


GERALDINE'S  DISCOVERY  67 

criffe  safely  bound  in  his  own  chamber.  No  harm 
is  intended  him,  and  beyond  a  few  hours  of  dis 
comfort  he  will  be  none  the  worse." 

"  I  shall  release  him  at  once." 

"  Not  while  I  hold  the  key  of  his  door." 

"  Give  it  to  me  instantly,  sir ;  how  dare  you 
commit  such  an  outrage  !  "  and  for  the  first  time 
Geraldine  raised  her  eyes  to  the  handsome  face 
above  her. 

"  Roy !  "  The  girl  staggered  back  a  step,  and 
caught  at  the  balustrade  for  support. 

"  Geraldine  !  "  He  stretched  out  both  hands 
toward  her,  but  she  shrank  farther  away,  growing 
deathly  pale  as  she  gazed. 

"  And  so  we  meet  again,"  she  murmured  ;  "  so 
I  find  you  —  in  arms  against  your  lawful  king, 
invading  a  peaceful  home,  imprisoning  my  guests. 
Oh,  God !  can  it  be  you,  my  playfellow,  my  "  — 
She  choked  for  breath ;  a  dry  sob  left  her  lips. 

"  Your  lover,"  cried  Roy  Telfair,  passionately, 
"aye,  your  lover  still.  Do  you  think  I  have 
forgotten  one  sweet  word  you  spoke  "  — 

"  Hush,  sir,  for  shame's  sake ;  do  not  dare  to 
remind  me  of  that  day.  You  have  forfeited  every 
right  to  —  to  —  my  friendship,  and  I  forbid  you 
to  remember  anything." 

On  the  stillness  of  the  night  outside  the  mansion 
there  suddenly  broke  a  distant  sound  of  a  bugle, 
and  close  below  the  window  near  which  the  pair 
stood  came  the  "hoot — hoot"  of  a  nio-ht  owl: 

O  * 

with  a  swift  bound  Roy  Telfair  darted  down  the 


68  A  PRETTY  TORY 

stairs,  and  Geraldine,  gathering  her  gown  in  her 
hand,  fled  after  him.  In  the  darkness  of  the 
porch  she  could  dimly  discern  a  band  of  mounted 
men  some  of  whom  evidently  had  their  prisoners 
before  them  on  the  saddles,  and  directly  in  front 
of  the  door  stood  a  horse  apparently  waiting  for 
its  master.  To  this  animal  Roy  Telfair  bounded, 
catching  the  bridle  of  another  horse,  which  stood 
beside  it,  on  whose  back,  well  secured,  Geraldine 
saw  a  figure  which  she  recognized  as  Colonel 
Tarleton.  Quick  as  a  flash  she  darted  forward 
and  seized  the  rein,  and  Roy  pulled  his  horse 
almost  back  upon  his  haunches  to  avoid  trampling 
upon  her  as  she  stood  directly  in  the  path. 

"  Are  you  mad  ?  Let  go  that  horse,  I  implore 
you,"  cried  Roy.  Again  the  sound  of  a  bugle 
floated  on  the  wind,  —  this  time  nearer,  —  and 
standing  in  his  stirrups  Telfair  shouted  to  his 
men  :  "  Disperse  !  " 

Like  shadows,  and  almost  as  silently  (for  the 
horses'  feet  had  been  muffled),  one  by  one  the 
Rangers  faded  from  view,  and,  stooping  down, 
with  a  supreme  effort  of  strength  he  lifted  Geral 
dine  from  the  ground  and  swung  her  before  him 
on  the  saddle.  But  the  gallant  feat  was  just  too 
late,  for  as  Roy  seized  the  rein  of  Tarleton's  horse 
from  her  hand,  there  came  a  rush  of  troopers  up 
the  avenue,  a  shout  from  Tarleton,  "  This  way, 
men,  quick,  quick  !  "  —  and  in  another  moment 
they  closed  around  the  group,  and  the  brave  young 
Ranger  was  in  the  hands  of  his  foes. 


GERALDINE'S  DISCOVERY  69 

"Pursue  those  fellows  for  a  rescue,"  shouted 
Tarleton,  as  his  men  dragged  Telfair  from  his 
horse  and  helped  Geraldine  to  the  ground ;  "  send 
half  the  force  in  pursuit,  keep  the  others  here 
with  me.  Is  that  you,  Burt?  "  —  seeing  who  was 
releasing  him  from  his  bonds,  —  "  by  gad,  you  were 
just  in  time,  my  brave  fellow,  and  shall  be  re 
warded."  Burt  smiled  grimly  at  the  mistake,  but 
did  not  think  it  wise  to  enlighten  him,  and  he 
assisted  Tarleton  up  the  staircase,  as  the  colonel 
was  somewhat  cramped  from  being  bound  to  the 
horse. 

"Into  the  library,"  said  Tarleton,  "and  tell 
them  to  fetch  the  prisoner  here,"  and  while  Burt 
departed  with  the  order,  he  endeavored  to  adjust 
his  coat  and  ruffles  which  had  become  disordered 
in  the  scuffle,  and  to  compose  his  face  into  its 
ordinary  calmness  before  he  heard  the  approaching 
footsteps  of  his  prisoner. 

"  And  now,  sir,"  he  said,  throwing  himself 
back  in  a  chair,  as  two  troopers  brought  Roy 
before  him,  "  I  think  the  tables  are  well  turned, 
though  the  result  may  not  strike  you  as  satisfac 
torily  as  it  does  me.  Who  are  you,  and  for  what 
reason  did  you  commit  to-night's  glaring  outrage?" 

"  My  name  is  Roy  Telfair,  captain  in  the  Georgia 
Rangers,  commanded  by  Colonel  Francis  Marion 
of  the  Continental  Army." 

"  One  of  the  lieutenants  of  the  Swamp  Fox ! 
Well,  sir,  proceed." 

"There  is  no  further  reply  necessary,"  said  the 


70  A  PRETTY  TORY 

prisoner  calmly ;  "  I  have  nothing  to  explain. 
Colonel  Tarleton  has  probably  heard  of  reprisals, 
and  after  his  most  dastardly  conduct  to  our 
wounded  at  the  battle  of  Waxham  Creek,  should 
expect  nothing  less  at  the  hands  of  an  American 
officer." 

"  Then,  Captain  Telfair,  as  you  know  me  so 
well,  you  will  not  be  surprised  by  my  ordering 
you  shot  at  daybreak,"  said  Tarleton,  with 
mocking  courtesy  that  was  the  more  cruel  be 
cause  of  its  suavity.  "You  dared  to  lay  hands 
upon  Mistress  Moncriffe,  the  lady  whom  I  have 
the  honor  to  address  in  marriage,  and  your 
ruffianly  conduct  shall  meet  its  deserts.  Ah,  you 
grow  pale,  sir ;  the  prospect  of  meeting  one's 
deserts  is  not  always  agreeable  to  contemplate." 

"  I  shall  not  stoop  to  argue  with  you,  but  let  my 
execution  take  place  outside  the  bounds  of  this 
plantation,  in  common  humanity  to  those  whose 
guest  you  are." 

"  I  require  no  lessons  in  courtesy,  sir.  Go !  " 
To  the  troopers,  —  "  Keep  the  prisoner  in  close 
confinement  until  I  send  the  order ;  find  some 
room  below  where  you  can  bestow  him,"  and  as 
the  men  conducted  Telfair  from  his  presence, 
Tarleton  started  to  seek  his  host. 

The  rescue  by  the  British  had  followed  so  swiftly 
upon  her  fruitless  attempt  to  detain  Roy  that 
Geraldine,  as  soon  as  her  feet  touched  the  ground, 
paused  not  a  moment,  but  flew  up  the  staircase, 
and  met  Margot  on  the  gallery. 


GERALDINE'S  DISCOVERY  71 

"  Oh,  Margot,  did  they  seek  to  harm  you  ?  are 
you  unhurt  ?  And  my  father  —  we  must  release 
him  at  once.  He  is  in  his  chamber,  bound  "- 

"No,"  said  Margot,  laying  a  detaining  hand 
upon  her  mistress's  arm,  "  the  colonel  is  be 
low  ;  dinna  ye  hear  him  ? "  as  the  sound  of 
remarkably  fluent  and  forcible  English  oaths 
sounded  from  the  porch.  "  I  made  bold  to  enter 
by  your  room  when  I  heard  the  din  the  colonel 
was  raising,  and  " — 

"  But  Roy  had  the  key  —  oh,  Margot,  it  was 
Roy,  Roy,  who  dared  execute  this  bold  outrage,  for 
which  I  will  never,  never  grant  him  forgiveness." 

"  Hush,  hush,  my  bairn  ;  we  are  come  upon 
troublous  times,  and  it  does  na  become  me  to  ad 
vise  ye,  but  auld  woman  that  I  am  I  have  still  to 
see  the  day  when  a  human  being  could  dare  assert 
that  she  wad  be  mair  implacable  than  the  Al 
mighty." 

They  were  standing  near  the  door  of  Geraldine's 
room,  and  just  at  this  moment  glancing  down  they 
saw  the  troopers  bringing  the  prisoner  up  the  stair 
case.  Pressing  back  into  the  dimly  lighted  gallery 
they  watched  the  group  enter  the  library. 

"  Margot,"  whispered  Geraldine,  "  go  down  to 
the  door,  stand  without  and  listen,  and  fetch  me 
word  here  what  Colonel  Tarleton  says  to  Captain 
Telfair."  The  woman  nodded,  and  went  softly 
around  the  gallery  as  Geraldine  opened  the  door 
of  her  own  room. 

"  Oh,  't  is  you  at  last,"  cried  Molly  Durbeville, 


72  A  PRETTY  TORY 

from  the  couch  where  she  had  thrown  her  pretty 
self ;  "  we  thought  the  Rangers  had  carried  you  off 
among  the  others,  and  I  was  about  to  set  forth  on 
a  hue  and  cry  after  you  when  Anne  dragged  me  in 
here." 

"  Where  are  the  others  ?  "  asked  Geraldine";  "  I 
must  look  after  Lady  Dolly  and  the  rest." 

"  You  need  not ;  Lady  Dolly  is  safely  bestowed 
in  the  blue  chamber  with  Ginger  for  company  and 
guardian ;  the  others  M  argot  has  taken  care  of, 
and  we  have  invaded  your  room  because,  forsooth, 
Anne,  here,  was  so  terrified  that  I  thought  between 
us  we  might  beat  some  composure  into  her  timid 
pate." 

"  Indeed,  indeed,"  sobbed  Anne,  "  I  am  confi 
dent  Mr.  Selwyn  will  be  hanged  or  murdered  " 

"  Or  drawn  and  quartered !  Was  ever  so  silly 
a  maid  as  you  ?  Marion's  men  do  not  commit 
murders  —  they  are  our  protectors  and  defenders. 
Surely  you  cannot  accuse  Roy  Telfair  of  belonging 
to  any  cut-throat  crew  ?  "  said  Molly,  with  vehe 
ment  indignation. 

"  Roy !  Do  you  mean  to  say  he  was  there  ?  " 
and  Anne's  curiosity  effectually  quenched  her 
tears. 

"  Had  you  no  eyes  ?  Why,  he  was  the  leader 
who  snatched  the  rose  from  Colonel  Tarleton's 
hand  —  Oh,  Geraldine,  that  was  neatly  done.  And 
did  you  hear  the  challenge  that  passed  between 
them?" 

"  I  did  not  know  that  it  was  a  betrothal  din- 


GERALDINE'S  DISCOVERY  73 

ner,"  said  Anne.  "  Your  father  has  kept  the  secret 
well." 

Geraldine  wrung  her  hands.  "  I  entreat  you, 
say  no  more.  That  Colonel  Tarleton  honors  me 
by  his  addresses  I  acknowledge,  but  the  matter 
has  not  yet  been  decided,  and"  — she  paused,  the 
bright  color  which  had  flown  to  her  face  died  away 
to  almost  ashen  pallor  as  she  saw  Margot  open 
the  door. 

"  Will  you  step  here,  my  leddy,"  said  Margot, 
drawing  Geraldine  outside  and  closing  the  door 
behind  them.  "  It 's  ill  tidings  I  bring  ye,  and  ye 
must  act  swift  and  sure  if  ye  wad  save  a 
life.  Maister  Roy  dies  the  morn ;  he 's  to  be  shot 
at  daybreak." 

Geraldine's  beautiful  eyes  filled  with  horror. 
"  Shot !  "  she  gasped  ;  "  no,  no,  it  shall  not  be  !  " 
She  flew  down  the  gallery,  Margot  following  swiftly 
after,  and  as  she  reached  the  door  of  the  library 
she  almost  fell  in  to  Tarleton's  arms  as  he  issued 
from  the  room. 

"  I  crave  your  pardon,"  he  cried,  with  his  win 
ning  smile  ;  "I  was  just  starting  to  find  your  father 
and  inquire  for  your  well-being." 

With  intuitive  quickness  Geraldine  seized  the 
situation.  "  I  am  unhurt,  and  came  to  ask  if  you 
are  the  same.  Can  you  spare  me  a  few  moments, 
Colonel  Tarleton  ?  Margot,  await  me  here,"  and 
with  almost  perfect  self-possession  and  calmness  she 
crossed  the  threshold,  and  sinking  into  a  chair 
motioned  Tarleton  to  another. 


74  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  I  cannot  tell  you  how  deeply  I  am  grieved  that 
you  should  receive  such  treatment  at  the  hands 
of  my  misguided  countrymen,"  she  said  softly. 
"  You  will  have  most  unpleasant  recollections  of 
your  first  evening  under  our  roof." 

"  On  the  contrary,  it  would  require  more  than 
the  raid  of  a  few  outlaws  to  obliterate  the  remem 
brance  that  I  have  not  only  had  the  happiness  to 
sit  beside  you  and  gaze  upon  your  beauty,  but  I 
feel  that  to  your  brave  effort  on  my  behalf  I  owe 
my  rescue." 

"  You  are  pleased  to  flatter  me  ;  I  perceive  that 
Colonel  Tarleton  knows  how  to  compliment." 

"  Compliment  ?  ah,  madam,  never  have  I  seen 
such  courage  as  you  displayed  in  seizing  my  rein, 
helpless  as  I  was,  and  the  act  is  engraved  upon 
the  heart  of  Banastre  Tarleton.  You  know  what 
brought  me  hither;  my  high  hopes,  my  ardent 
aims.  It  is,  perhaps,  too  soon  to  say  all  that  is 
in  my  mind,  but  here  at  your  feet  I  lay  my  devo 
tion." 

"  Stay,  sir,  stay  ;  I  had  not  meant  to  provoke  this 
avowal,  and  mayhap  it  is  not  quite  maidenly  to 
see  you  thus  without  my  father's  presence.  But 
I  heard  that  you  were  here  with  a  prisoner,  and  my 
womanly  curiosity  prevailed  so  far  that  I  came  to 
ask  who  and  what  he  is  ?  " 

"  He  is  not  worth  your  consideration ;  a  pesti 
lent  fellow,  named  Telfair." 

"  Telfair  ?  the  son  of  my  father's  old  friend  and 
neighbor  ?  " 


GERALDINE'S  DISCOVERY  75 

"  The  same,  probably,"  said  Tarleton  carelessly, 
his  eyes  still  fixed  upon  her  in  admiration.  "  I 
think  he  called  himself  Captain  Roy  Telfair,  of 
Marion's  men." 

"  And  what  disposition  have  you  made  of  him  ? 
My  father  will  be  grieved  to  know  of  his  dis 
loyalty." 

"  He  is  under  guard  below,  somewhere,  but  where 
matters  little.  He  dies  to-morrow ;  let  us  talk  of 
happier  things." 

"  Dies !  "  Do  what  she  would,  the  color  fled 
from  Geraldine's  face.  "  Colonel  Tarleton,  you 
shock  me  beyond  words.  Oh,  sir,  do  not,  I  beg 
you,  begin  our  acquaintance  in  this  manner ;  it 
were  an  evil  omen,"  and  she  shuddered  violently 
even  while  she  courageously  lifted  her  eyes  to  his. 

"  Forgive  me,"  he  answered  gently.  "  I  am  but 
a  bluff  soldier  and  unused  to  the  softness  of 
women's  hearts.  I  should  not  have  told  you  so 
abruptly." 

"Nay,"  she  said,  with  an  enchanting  smile, 
while  every  nerve  in  her  body  thrilled  with  terror ; 
"nay,  grant  me  his  reprieve.  It  would  sadden  me 
too  much  to  feel  that  you  pronounced  sentence 
against  one  whom  I  have  known  in  childhood's 
days." 

Tarleton  looked  at  her  keenly,  but  subtle  as  he 
was  he  could  not  penetrate  behind  that  smile ;  he 
did  not  know  that  the  hand  which  waved  her  fan 
had  crushed  its  delicate  sticks  until  they  broke. 

"  An  old  play-fellow  ?  "  he  questioned  lightly. 


76  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  Yes,  and  no.  Rose  Telfair,  his  sister,  and  I 
were  old  and  dear  friends ;  I  suppose  she  will  hardly 
speak  to  me  now  that  I  am  so  loyal  to  the  colors 
of  the  king." 

Tarleton  threw  himself  on  one  knee  and  kissed 
her  hand.  "  The  queen  —  my  queen  commands," 
he  said  gallantly  ;  "  what  is  a  miserable  rebel's  life, 
after  all  ?  Take  it ;  it  is  yours." 


CHAPTER   VII 

BOY'S   REFUSAL 

THE  troopers  who  conducted  Captain  Telf  air  be 
low  found  Burt  at  the  foot  of  the  stairs. 

"  What 's  to  be  done  with  the  prisoner,  O'Brien  ?  " 
he  asked  of  his  comrade,  a  happy-go-lucky  Irish 
man,  who  was  a  great  favorite  among  the  men. 

"  Faith,  it 's  a  short  shrift,"  answered  O'Brien, 
with  a  compassionate  glance ;  "  shot  at  daybreak. 
Sure,  what  did  ye  expect  ?  " 

Roy,  alert  as  ever,  caught  the  whisper,  and 
looking  at  Burt,  saw  something  in  his  face  which 
gave  him  a  ray  of  hope.  He  had  no  intention  of 
submitting  tamely  to  untoward  fate,  and  was 
ready  to  take  advantage  of  the  slightest  chance  for 
his  life. 

"  The  colonel's  orders  are  to  confine  him  closely  ; 
any  place  will  do." 

"  Then  follow  me,"  said  Burt,  turning  down  the 
passage  which  led  to  the  servants'  quarters,  where 
he  had  been  rescued  from  his  bonds  by  Margot ; 
"there's  a  storeroom  here  which  has  bars  across 
its  only  window,  no  doubt  for  keeping  out  the 
blacks,  who  are  a  thievish  lot  where  provisions  are 
concerned.  It  will  do  excellently,  as  you  have 


78  A  PRETTY  TORY 

only  to  turn  the  key  in  the  door  and  keep  guard 
outside." 

The  light  was  dim  in  the  passage,  as  it  came 
from  two  tallow  dips  stuck  in  a  pewter  sconce,  one 
of  which  Burt  took  in  his  hand  as  he  opened  the 
storeroom  door.  The  soldiers  peered  curiously 
about,  but  all  the  narrow  room  (scarcely  more  than 
a  closet)  afforded  was  rows  of  shelves  either  side 
of  the  barred  window  referred  to,  and  a  floor 
flagged  with  brick  and  stone  like  the  passage.  On 
the  shelves  were  jars  of  jellies  and  conserves,  dear 
to  Margot's  housewifely  soul,  and  packages  of  tea 
and  coffee,  with  sundry  blue  jars  of  quaint  shapes 
which  evidently  contained  condiments  and  delica 
cies  pertaining  to  the  table. 

"  I  shall  not  starve,"  said  Koy  with  a  smile,  as 
he  surveyed  these ;  "  get  me  a  stool  and  a  bit  of 
writing  paper,  and  I  '11  ask  for  nothing  more." 

"  Hold  him  fast  till  I  return,"  answered  Burt, 
sticking  the  candle  in  a  cup  which  stood  conven 
iently  on  a  shelf.  He  was  back  in  a  second,  and 
producing  a  scrap  of  rather  soiled  paper  from  his 
pocket,  set  down  the  three-legged  stool  which  he 
had  procured  from  his  own  quarters. 

"  Here  's  your  seat,"  he  said  somewhat  roughly, 
for  O'Brien's  eyes  were  upon  him,  and  O'Brien 
was  almost  as  keen  as  Burt  himself.  "  The  paper 
is  not  very  clean,  but  it 's  all  I  have,"  shaking  it 
open  to  prove  that  nothing  was  written  upon  it ; 
"  d'  ye  wish  to  write  a  letter  ?  " 

"  Perhaps,"  returned  Roy,  and  then    his   eyes 


ROY'S  REFUSAL  79 

lightened,  for,  as  Burt  passed  the  paper  into  his 
extended  hand  he  saw  a  very  faint  tracing  in  one 
corner  of  an  Indian  arrowhead. 

"  Come  on,  men,  we  '11  not  disturb  him  longer," 
said  Burt,  turning  hastily  away  as  he  perceived  he 
was  understood  ;  "  sleep  if  you  can  ;  you  '11  be  called, 
never  fear,"  and  they  filed  out,  O'Brien  locking  the 
door  and  taking  the  key  carefully  out  of  the  lock. 

Half  an  hour  after  Jupiter  came  slowly  along 
the  passage  blinking  like  a  venerable  owl,  and 
evidently  in  a  state  of  agitation.  Attacks  and 
rescues  were  decidedly  out  of  Jupiter's  line,  and  he 
was  more  frightened  than  he  ever  had  been  in  his 
life.  Consequently  when  his  eyes  fell  upon  the 
soldiers  stationed  at  the  door  of  the  storeroom, 
and  saw  the  guns  standing  against  the  wall,  his 
teeth  began  to  chatter  and  he  imagined  he  should 
be  seized  and  punished. 

"  I  ain't  don'  any  harm,  please,  good  massa-raid- 
coats  ;  jes'  comin'  ter  look  for  de  colonel's  gem'- 
man.  Dun'  no  what  yo'  call  'im,  but  he 's  de 
one  who  corned  dis  evening,  bef o'  dinner,  —  befo' 
de  battle." 

"  Battle  !  "  said  O'Brien  with  a  grin  ;  "  save  yer 
sowl,  d'ye  call  that  race  a  battle  ?  More  by  token 
our  fellows  should  be  reportin'  before  long,  though 
I  have  me  doubts  if  all  the  followin'  in  the  world 
would  catch  up  wid  them  thieves  of  Rangers.  It 's 
fleet  heels  they  have,  an'  sorra  a  wan  of  our  officers 
will  we  see  till  they're  exchanged  or  ransomed, 
I  'm  thinkin'." 


80  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  Whar  am  de  gem'man?"  said  Jupiter,  obsti 
nately  standing  his  ground,  though  trembling, 
"  caise  I 's  got  a  message  fur  him  from  de  raid- 
coat  colonel." 

"  Why  did  n't  you  say  so  ?  "  sharply  ;  "  do  you 
mean  the  prisoner  ?  " 

"  Dun  no  nuffin'  'bout  prisoner,  marse ;  I  was 
tole  to  find  de  raidcoat  who  come  down  on  de  por 
tico  when  yo'  was  dere." 

"  He  means  Burt,  the  colonel's  orderly,"  said 
the  other  soldier. 

"  Oh,  aye,  Burt ;  well,  here  he  comes,"  for  the 
door  at  the  end  of  the  passage  swung  open  at  the 
moment. 

"  Dun  yo'  hear  dat  bell  ringing  ?  Dat  's  yo' 
colonel,"  turning  to  Burt,  "  an'  he  says  he  wants 
yo'  to  fetch  de  prisoner  straight  up  to  him." 

"  Whew,"  whistled  O'Brien  as  he  put  the  key 
in  the  door ;  "  wonder  what 's  to  pay  now  ?  Hope 
he  is  n't  going  to  attend  to  that  little  matter  which 
was  coming  off  at  daybreak  with  his  own  hands." 

"It  wouldn't  be  the  first  time  if  he  did,"  mut 
tered  Burt  to  himself,  his  heart  beating  a  trifle 
quicker  as  he  tried  to  imagine  what  new  turn 
affairs  could  be  taking. 

Roy  looked  up  as  the  men  entered.  "  It  's  not 
daybreak  yet,"  he  said  calmly ;  "  can  I  not  be  left 
unmolested  until  then  ?  " 

"  You  are  wanted  above,"  said  the  Irishman, 
catching  him  by  the  arm  and  motioning  to  his 
comrade  to  take  the  other  side.  "  I  say,  Burt,"  in 


ROY'S  REFUSAL  81 

a  whisper  as  they  moved  down  the  passage,  "  d'  ye 
think  he  's  having  a  change  of  heart  ?  It 's  a  foine 
young  fellow  we  '11  have  to  shoot." 

"Hush,"  said  Burt  sternly,  and  in  silence  the 
little  group  marched  up  the  stairway,  Burt  salut 
ing  at  the  door  of  the  room. 

"  The  prisoner  is  here,  sir,"  he  said. 

"  Bring  him  in,  close  the  door,  and  let  the  others 
stand  guard  outside." 

Roy  crossed  the  threshold  with  firm  step ;  if  he 
felt  emotion  of  any  kind  as  his  gaze  fell  upon  Ger- 
aldine  leaning  back  in  her  carved  chair,  it  did  not 
appear  in  his  face  as  he  bowed  haughtily  to  Tarle- 
ton,  quietly  ignoring  her  presence.  A  faint  flush 
mounted  to  Geraldine's  cheeks,  but  she  toyed  with 
her  broken  fan,  and  dropped  her  eyes  until  the 
long  dark  lashes  almost  hid  them  from  view. 

"  I  have  sent  for  you,  sir,"  said  Tarleton,  in 
coldly  polite  tones,  "  to  change  somewhat  the  order 
with  which  I  dismissed  you  a  short  tune  ago.  This 
lady"  —with  a  wave  of  his  hand  toward  Geral- 
dine  —  "  has  been  pleased  to  intercede  for  you." 

"  I  am  deeply  indebted  —  to  the  lady,"  returned 
Roy,  with  a  profound  bow. 

"  In  response  to  her  request  I  have  decided  to 
remit  your  sentence  of  death,  and  shall  hold  you 
close  prisoner  at  the  fort  to  await  the  orders  of  Sir 
Henry  Clinton.  Well,  sir,  have  you  no  word  of 
thanks  for  my  clemency  ?  " 

"  I  beg  to  congratulate  Colonel  Tarleton  upon 
experiencing  so  novel  an  emotion.  Faith,  unless 


82  A  PRETTY  TORY 

the  lady  vouches  for  you,  sir,  it  will  hardly  be 
believed." 

"  You  go  too  far,  sir ;  you  go  too  far,"  cried 
Tarleton,  springing  from  his  seat,  his  face  con 
vulsed  with  sudden  passion  ;  "  it  is  not  yet  too 
late  to  return  to  my  former  mind  as  regards  your 
affair."  As  he  spoke,  his  coat,  which  was  still 
somewhat  disordered  from  his  hand-to-hand  conflict 
with  Telfair,  fell  open,  and  from  his  breast  rolled 
a  small  case,  which,  breaking  as  it  touched  the 
highly  polished  floor,  landed  at  Roy's  very  feet, 
disclosing  the  miniature  portrait  it  contained  of 
Geraldine. 

Tarleton  darted  forward,  but  ere  he  could  reach 
it,  Roy  had  seized  the  picture.  With  one  long, 
eager  gaze  he  took  in  every  detail  of  the  lovely 
face  ;  then  he  laid  it  in  Tarle ton's  hand. 

"I  return  your  property,"  he  said  courteously, 
"  with  an  apology  for  unwittingly  seeing  what  was 
not  intended  for  my  eyes.  You  have  offered  me 
my  life  at  Mistress  Moncriffe's  intercession.  I  de 
cline  to  take  advantage  of  her  well  meant,  but 
wholly  unauthorized  effort  on  my  behalf,  and  pre 
fer  that  Colonel  Tarleton  should  follow  his  natural 
impulses  undisturbed." 

"  Captain  Telfair !  "  Geraldine's  voice  fell  un 
heeded  upon  his  ear.  In  the  wild  passion  that 
possessed  him,  Telfair  was,  for  the  moment,  beyond 
the  bounds  of  reason. 

Tarleton  darted  a  quick  glance  of  keen  sus 
picion  at  the  pair.  Telfair  regarded  him  with  a 


ROY'S  REFUSAL  83 

contemptuous  smile,  while  Geraldine,  with  the 
spirit  and  pride  of  her  gallant  ancestry,  would 
have  died  rather  than  have  betrayed  to  either  man 
the  agony  they  were  causing  her. 

"  You  hold  your  life  lightly,  sir,  and  are  either 
a  desperate  man  or  a  very  brave  one.  Notwith 
standing  what  you  are  pleased  to  call  my  '  natural 
impulses '  I  can  find  it  in  my  heart  to  admire  your 
recklessness.  Remove  the  prisoner,  Burt,  and  see 
that  he  is  well  secured." 

Everything  swam  before  Geraldine's  eyes,  and  it 
was  only  by  an  intense  effort  of  will  that  she  con 
trolled  herself  sufficiently  to  acknowledge  Roy's 
salutation  as  he  turned  and  left  the  room,  and  she 
sat  motionless  while  the  sound  of  his  footsteps  died 
in  the  distance. 

"  On  my  word,  the  gentleman  has  a  taste  for 
raising  my  temper,"  said  Tar le ton,  with  a  light 
laugh ;  "  he  is  somewhat  of  a  dare-devil  to  provoke 
me  thus." 

"  I  trust,  Colonel  Tarleton,  that  you  will  not  per 
mit  his  —  his  —  I  scarcely  know  what  to  name  it, 
—  his  behavior,  to  affect  your  decision  ?  " 

"  His  insolence,"  interpolated  Tarleton  quickly. 
"  Madam,  my  word  is  pledged  to  you,  and  Captain 
Telfair  shall  have  his  life  to  throw  away  as  he 
pleases  after  his  release  from  captivity  in  British 
prisons,  which,  if  I  read  Sir  Henry  Clinton's  mind 
rightly,  will  not  be  soon.  I  have  the  honor  to 
kiss  your  very  beautiful  hand  and  to  thank  you 
for  the  boon  of  this  interview." 


84  A  PRETTY  TORY 

With  trembling  fingers  Geraldine  accepted  the 
salute,  and  swept  from  the  apartment  to  find 
Margot  in  the  gallery.  But  at  the  touch  of 
M argot's  hand  her  forced  composure  forsook  her, 
and  throwing  her  arms  around  her  old  nurse's 
neck  she  burst  into  a  passion  of  sobs  and  tears. 

Burt  had  scarcely  obeyed  his  orders  and  locked 
the  door  of  the  storeroom  upon  Roy  Telfair  be 
fore  he  was  summoned  to  Tarleton's  bedroom. 
The  colonel  had  thrown  off  his  coat,  and  was  writ 
ing  rapidly.  Burt  stood  at  attention  and  waited 
his  leisure. 

"  Here,"  said  Tarleton,  signing  his  name  to  the 
paper,  and  dusting  the  ink  with  sand  from  a  box 
at  his  elbow  ;  "  I  cannot  spare  the  others,  so  you 
must  take  horse  at  once  and  speed  to  the  fort  with 
this  for  Colonel  Prevost.  The  night  is  too  far 
spent  for  any  arrangement  at  daybreak,  but  noon 
day  will  serve  as  well."  The  last  sentence  ap 
parently  escaped  him  unawares,  for  he  cast  a 
penetrating  glance  at  Burt  as  if  to  see  whether 
it  had  been  heard,  but  that  worthy  presented  a 
perfectly  stolid  countenance  as  he  saluted,  turned 
on  his  heel,  and  left  the  room ;  and  Tarleton,  un 
dressing  with  great  rapidity,  flung  himself  upon 
his  bed  and  was  presently  fast  asleep. 

Burt  went  down  the  passage  and  made  his  way 
outside  ;  he  eyed  the  note  with  much  perplexity  as 
he  passed  the  lantern  which  swung  in  the  portico. 
All  was  still  inside ;  after  the  rush  and  excitement 
every  soul  seemed  to  have  retired.  He  paused, 


ROY'S  REFUSAL  85 

glanced  uncertainly  into  the  darkness,  then  wheeled 
and  stole  cautiously  back  to  the  portico,  where  he 
carefully  unfolded  the  note  intrusted  to  him.  It 
took  but  a  moment  to  master  its  contents,  and 
Burt  swore  under  his  breath  and  shook  his  fist 
as  he  read. 

"  'T  is  as  I  suspected.  Oh,  wily  villain,  to  make 
smooth  promises  one  moment  and  belie  them  the 
next,"  he  thought  rapidly.  "  How  to  circumvent 
him !  If  I  could  find  the  woman  who  cut  the 
cords  for  me  when  I  lay  bound  yonder  —  has  she 
gone  to  bed  as  well  as  the  blacks?  I  have  it; 
I  must  ride  dispatch  on  the  colonel's  business,  and 
I  '11  be  hanged  if  I  know  where  to  find  my  horse 
without  assistance,"  and  back  went  Burt,  softly  as 
a  cat,  into  the  house.  "  She  was  there  at  the 
door  waiting  for  the  young  mistress ;  I  '11  warrant 
I  '11  find  her  somewhere  in  the  gallery."  Step  by 
step  Burt  went  up  the  staircase,  and  his  shrewd 
ness  was  rewarded,  for  his  foot  had  not  touched 
the  topmost  step  when  he  saw  Margot,  candle  in 
hand,  emerge  from  Geraldine's  door,  and  he  heard 
her  bid  "  good-night "  as  she  closed  it  behind  her. 

"  Weel,  mon,  what  brings  ye  here  ? "  asked 
Margot,  recognizing  him  as  she  reached  his  side. 
"  Dinna  make  a  noise,  but  let  this  distracted 
household  sleep  in  peace." 

"  I  want  my  horse,"  said  Burt,  in  a  tone  that 
might  reach  a  possible  eavesdropper.  Then  in 
her  ear,  "  Quick,  follow  me  below  if  you  want  to 
prevent  more  deviltry  than  has  occurred  already." 


86  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  Come  outside  and  I  '11  turn  ye  in  the  direction 
of  the  stables,"  said  Margot  readily,  as  she  led 
the  way  down.  "  Ye  are  free  frae  listeners  noo  ; 
what 's  your  will  ?  " 

Burt  leaned  closer,  as  they  stood  under  a  myrtle 
tree  before  the  door,  and  whispered  rapidly. 
Margot  started  back.  "  D'  ye  mean  it  ?  Oh,  the 
wickedness  of  man  !  Whist,  let  me  think ;  in  whilk 
room  did  ye  put  the  prisoner?  " 

"  In  the  storeroom  ;  it  has  a  barred  window. 
He  could  not  break  it  without  noise  that  would 
betray  him,  nor  could  I  help  him  from  the  outside 
without  detection." 

"  In  the  storeroom  !  then  't  was  the  finger  o' 
the  Lord  wha  guided  ye.  Trouble  your  head  nae 
mair  ;  leave  it  to  me." 

"  If  you  would  be  pleased  to  explain  " 

"  Tut,  mon,  and  for  what  ?  He 's  safe,  I  tell 
ye,  and  dinna  seek  to  know  mair  o'  the  secrets  o' 
the  house.  What  your  brain  does  na  ken  your 
lips  will  never  tell."  And  before  Burt  could  lay 
hand  on  her,  Margot  disappeared  in  the  darkness, 
and  Burt,  with  a  low  chuckle  of  delight  and 
amazement,  went  off  to  find  the  stable  and  his 
horse. 

In  the  mean  time,  Roy  Telf  air,  with  wildly  beat 
ing  heart,  was  sitting  in  his  narrow  prison  consumed 
with  jealousy,  love,  and  anguish.  It  was  not  enough 
that  Geraldine  —  his  mistress,  his  star  of  hope, 
the  idol  of  his  boyhood  —  that  she  should  stoop 
from  her  high  estate  and  ask  reprieve  of  Tarleton, 


ROY'S  REFUSAL  87 

but  to  know  her  false,  alike  to  him  and  to  her 
country,  —  for  what  was  he  to  conclude  from 
seeing  that  Tarleton  carried  her  portrait  in  his 
breast,  apparently  with  her  knowledge  and  con 
sent?  What  indeed,  except  that  every  word  of 
love  that  had  passed  between  them  was  forsworn, 
that  she  was  fickle  as  she  was  fair !  Oh,  God, 
how  beautiful  she  was,  as  she  sat  there,  in  her 
pallor  and  distress.  Could  it  be  that  even  then 
she  repented ;  that  she  bethought  of  the  vows 
exchanged  that  day  beneath  the  myrtle  trees, 
when  she  was  about  to  put  the  ocean  be 
tween  them  ?  She  was  very  young,  barely  turned 
sixteen,  scarcely  more  than  a  child,  and  yet  with 
the  depth  of  feeling  and  devotion  of  a  woman. 
Could  it  be  that  wealth,  adulation,  and  the 
flatteries  of  a  court  had  changed  her  thus?  Per 
haps  she  had  not  known  or  fully  realized  the 
momentous  question  of  freedom  and  liberty  for 
which  her  people  were  fighting.  Would  it  come 
home  to  her  heart  some  day  ?  —  But,  no ;  there 
was  a  gleam  of  satisfied  ambition  in  Tarleton's 
eye  ;  his  air  of  proud  proprietorship  could  not  be 
mistaken.  Well,  it  would  soon  be  over ;  a  volley, 
a  shot,  and  —  He  hoped  they  would  give  him 
decent  burial.  And  then  he  turned  his  face  to 
the  wall,  and  thought  of  his  father,  —  his  grand, 
noble  father,  who  had  given  all  to  his  country,  — 
and  of  his  sister  Rose,  and  his  brave  heart  swelled 
almost  to  bursting. 

How   long   he    sat   thus    a   prey  to    agonizing 


88  A   PRETTY  TORY 

reflections,  Roy  never  knew.  The  tallow  (lip  was 
burning  low  in  its  socket  when  a  very  faint  noise, 
like  the  scratching  of  a  mouse,  attracted  his  at 
tention.  He  looked  up  in  its  direction,  and 
noticed  that  a  blue  jar  which  stood  upon  one  of 
the  shelves  shook  a  trifle,  as  if  it  had  been  stirred. 
He  wondered  if  the  mouse  might  be  inside ;  then, 
as  he  fixed  his  eyes  upon  the  jar  he  became  con 
scious  that  a  crack  in  the  wall  which  he  had  not 
perceived  hitherto  was  widening  before  his  eyes. 
Fascinated  by  this  curious  phenomenon  he  watched 
for  a  moment ;  slowly  the  crack  opened,  the  shelf 
moved  back,  and  Roy  beheld  a  hand  silently  beck 
oning  to  him,  and  behind  the  hand  a  face  he  knew, 
—  the  face  of  Margot. 

Despairing  lover  though  he  was,  the  desire  to 
live  was  by  no  means  extinguished  in  Roy.  Very 
softly,  step  by  step,  in  order  that  his  movement 
should  not  be  heard  by  the  guard  outside  the 
door,  he  drew  near  the  narrow  aperture  which  the 
panel  disclosed,  and  bending  his  head  he  finally 
passed  through  it  to  the  other  side.  Margot  took 
his  hand,  and  slowly,  without  even  a  creak,  the 
panel,  under  her  skillful  touch,  swung  back  to  its 
place. 

"Creep  after  me  on  your  hands  and  knees, 
Maister  Roy ;  after  a  few  rods  you  may  stand  up 
again,"  whispered  Margot  in  his  ear. 

Roy  obeyed,  and  after  proceeding  several  feet  he 
felt  the  air  of  the  vaulted  passage  rush  higher  over 
his  head.  By  a  pressure  of  his  hand,  which  she 


ROY'S   REFUSAL  89 

still  retained  after  he  rose  to  Ms  feet,  Margot  pre 
served  his  silence ;  then  they  went  on  for  a  short 
distance,  when  another  turn  brought  them  to  four 
steps,  up  which  they  mounted  ;  and  Roy  found 
himself  in  a  good-sized  room,  around  which  he 
glanced  with  a  look  of  recognition  as  the  lantern 
placed  on  the  floor  enabled  him  to  see  his  surround 
ings. 

"  The  old  summer-house !  "  he  exclaimed.  "Why, 
Margot,  I  never  knew  of  the  existence  of  this 
underground  passage  connected  with  the  mansion." 

"  It 's  no  likely  ye  would,  Maister  Roy ;  the 
mistress  confided  the  secret  to  me  nine  years  syne, 
and  somehow  I  never  saw  my  way  clearly  to 
informing  the  colonel." 

"  Then  no  one  knows  but  you  ?  " 

"  An'  yoursel' ;  mind  ye  keep  the  secret.  Had 
it  not  been  for  my  getting  the  word  in  time  ye 
wad  dree  the  weird  that  yon  bloody  colonel  has 
planned  for  you.  Nay,"  for  Roy  threw  his  arms 
around  her  neck,  and  kissed  her  fondly,  "  dinna  be 
foolin'  wi'  an  auld  wife  like  me.  Get  ye  gane, 
and  take  better  care  o'  yoursel'  in  future,  for  if  ye 
fall  into  British  hands  after  this  night's  work  it 
will  gae  hard  wi'  ye." 

"Not  harder  than  this  has  been,"  said  Roy, 
bitterly.  The  Scotchwoman  looked  at  him  with 
shrewdly  affectionate  eyes  as  she  laid  her  hand  on 
his  shoulder. 

"  Dinna  take  too  much  for  granted  ;  there 's 
mony  a  deed  planned  whilk  never  reaches  matu- 


90  A  PRETTY  TORY 

rity,  and  mony  a  heartache  whilk  a  bit  o'  patience 
will  explain  away,"  and  giving  Roy  a  gentle  push 
outside  the  door  of  the  summer-house  Margot 
walked  rapidly  back  to  the  mansion. 


CHAPTER  VIII 

HOSE'S   DILEMMA 

IT  was  early  morning,  and  the  mocking  birds 
were  whistling  in  the  thickets  at  Dumblane,  as 
Rose  Telfair  stepped  lightly  out  on  the  verandah 
which  ran  across  the  south  side  of  the  mansion  and 
was  raised  a  few  feet  from  the  ground  by  brick 
pilasters.  Without  possessing  the  stately  air  of 
Glenmoira,  the  place  had  an  attraction  of  its  own 
in  its  peculiarly  fine  old  trees  and  wealth  of  vines, 
the  latter  covering  every  available  wall,  and  even 
the  great  brick  chimney,  which,  being  built  on  the 
outside  of  the  house,  was  a  picturesque  feature  of 
itself.  A  Virginia  creeper,  with  a  mass  of  scarlet 
blossoms,  climbed  up  one  side  of  the  verandah  and 
was  met  by  a  wilderness  of  morning-glories,  that 
joined  hands  with  the  creeper  in  its  laudable 
achievements  and  reached  the  slanting  roof  over 
head.  As  Rose  leaned  over  the  railing  and  looked 
out  in  the  sunshine,  she  sang  gayly  a  snatch  of  the 
old  Jacobite  song :  — 

"  Fling  open  the  West  Port  and  let  me  gae  free , 
For  'tis  up  w'  the  bonnets  o'  Bonnie  Dundee  !  " 

"  A  good  morning  to  you,  fairest  and  most  rebel 
lious  of  cousins,"  called  a  voice  from  below,  as  a 


92  A  PRETTY  TORY 

young  man  in  a  riding-suit  emerged  from  behind  a 
tall  china  tree  ;  "  you  are  late  this  morning." 

"  Not  I,"  returned  Rose,  "  't  is  you  who  are 
early.  Who  gave  you  permission  to  invade  Dum- 
blane  at  this  hour?"  saucily;  "I  am  sure  it  was 
not  my  mother  —  for  she  is  still  in  her  chamber,  and 
I  recollect  your  bidding  me  a  most  serious,  not  to 
say  solemn,  farewell  two  days  ago  when  I  met  you 
in  the  city." 

"  If  you  did  not  look  so  enchantingly  pretty 
peeping  out  between  those  scarlet  flowers  I  should 
feel  inclined  to  mount  and  ride  back  to  the  city, 
even  without  the  breakfast  that  I  came  for,"  said 
Allastar  Murray.  "  Give  me  at  least  a  blossom  to 
pin  in  my  coat  to  console  me  for  your  unkindness. 
You  have  no  idea  how  scarlet  becomes  you ;  ah, 
you  must  return  to  the  colors  of  the  king  at  last." 

With  a  provoking  smile,  Rose  turned  and 
plucked  a  lovely  blue  morning-glory  from  the  vine 
and  tossed  it  down  to  him.  "  Be  it  upon  your  own 
head,  sir ;  if  you  wear  my  flower  it  must  be  one 
of  rebel  blue,  whether  it  suits  with  your  humor 
or  not." 

Murray  caught  the  flower  as  it  fluttered  from 
her  hand.  "  Rose,"  he  said  entreatingly,  "  how  can 

you"- 

"  I  will  even  come  down  and  pin  it  to  your 
breast,"  quoth  the  willful  coquette,  as  she  gained 
the  steps  and  ran  swiftly  down  them.  "  Here," 
with  a  pretty  air  of  command,  and  standing  with 
her  head  on  one  side  as  she  surveyed  his  perplexed 


ROSE'S   DILEMMA  93 

countenance  ;  "  nothing  ever  looked  so  well  in  your 
buttonhole  as  this." 

"  If  you  would  not  make  everything  a  matter  of 
partisanship  "- 

"  Very  well,  sir,"  coldly,  "  you  can  scorn  my  gift 
if  it  pleases  you  to  do  so." 

"  Oh,  Rose,  Rose,  pin  it  on  at  once." 

"You  know  you  began  it,"  returned  his  tor 
mentor,  as  she  finally  adjusted  the  offending  blos 
som  to  her  satisfaction,  and  stood  with  her  hands 
demurely  folded,  contemplating  the  effect  of  her 
teasing.  "  So  you  came  over  to  breakfast  with 
us  ?  I  fancy  Dinah  has  had  it  smoking  hot  this 
half  hour,  for  I  confess  I  am  somewhat  tardy.  I 
was  later  than  usual  in  returning  last  night." 

"  Then  you  were  at  Glenmoira?  I  heard  that 
Colonel  Moncriffe  was  giving  a  large  dinner  to 
celebrate  the  home-coming  of  his  daughter." 

"  No,"  answered  Rose,  her  eyes  suddenly  filling 
with  tears,  as  she  discreetly  dropped  them  from  his 
view.  "  I  was  bidden  to  that  feast,  but  I  —  de 
clined." 

"  And  wherefore  ?  Surely  you  are  not  so  pre 
judiced  as  to  refuse  to  welcome  an  old  playfellow 
and  friend  because  the  men  of  your  families  are  at 
variance  over  a  political  quarrel  ?  " 

"  Precisely  so  ;  you  are  beginning  to  understand 
me  at  last." 

"  Nay,  I  think  I  am  farther  from  it  than  ever." 

"  I  saw  Geraldine  yesterday ;  she  is  more  beau 
tiful  than  she  was,  if  that  were  possible,  and  my 


94  A  PRETTY  TORY 

heart  was  filled  with  joy  to  see  her  once  more. 
But  —  Oh,  talk  of  something  else  ;  my  mind  is 
weary  with  these  endless  dissensions." 

"A  truce  to  them,"  said  Murray  gently,  as 
they  turned  toward  the  door. 

"  Hark,  what  is  that  ?  "  asked  Rose,  as  the  pat 
ter  of  running  feet  struck  her  ear,  and  looking 
around  she  saw  flying  up  the  path  the  chubby 
figure  of  a  little  black  boy.  "  What  ails  the 
pickaninny  ?  He  seems  decidedly  out  of  breath," 
said  she,  as  the  new-comer  brought  up  before  her, 
panting  with  his  exertions.  "  Who  are  you  ?  and 
what  do  you  want  ?  " 

"  I  'se  Cupid,"  said  the  image,  and  stopped  for 
breath,  rolling  his  eyes  in  a  most  comical  manner. 

"  Shade  of  Eros  !  "  ejaculated  Murray ;  "  where 
has  he  left  Psyche?" 

"  She  's  home,  marse,"  said  Cupid,  with  an  air 
of  surprise  ;  "  laws,  do  yo'  know  my  sister  ?  " 

"  Do  not  tease  the  child  —  I  think  he  is 
frightened.  Cupid  ?  oh,  aye,  you  are  one  of  the 
pickaninnies  from  Colonel  Moncriffe's.  I  recol 
lect  you  took  my  horse  yesterday  when  I  was  at 
the  plantation." 

"  Yes,  missy,  I  'se  Phrebus'  boy,  an'  I  come  to 
tell  yo'  we  had  mighty  wild  times  las'  night.  De 
ladies  an'  gem'men  was  to  dey  dinner ;  an'  some 
how  rudder  de  green  Rangers  bust  in  de  doors  and 
winders,  an'  when  I  waked  up  under  de  table  dey 
was  shootin'  and  firin',  an'  Missy  Geraldine,  she 
jus'  took  de  candles  an'  frowed  'em  round  de 


ROSE'S  DILEMMA  95 

room,  an'  she  ketch  me  by  de  arm  whar  I  was  onto 
de  flo'  by  her  feet,  an'  whispers  I  'se  to  get  out  de 
pantry  winder  an'  run  fur  help  to  de  city ; "  and 
Cupid,  exhausted  with  his  own  eloquence,  sat  de 
liberately  down  on  the  ground  at  Rose's  feet. 

"  The  Rangers  !  "  gasped  Rose  ;  "  I  can  scarce 
believe  it.  Go  on,  Cupid.  What  did  you  do 
when  your  mistress  told  you  to  seek  assistance  ?  " 

"  I  croup  'long  under  de  table,  an'  slipped  down 
de  catalpa  tree  'longside  de  winder,  an'  I  ran,  an' 
I  ran,  up  de  road  like  de  hounds  was  after  me, 
an'  'bout  halfway  to  de  city  dere  was  a  redcoat 
soldier,  an'  he  caught  me,  an'  scared  me  mos'  to 
deff  wid  he  gun,  an'  I  tole  him  whar  I  come  from 
an'  how  my  mistress  sent  me  for  help,  an'  he  called 
a  lot  more  o'  dem,  an'  dey  all  rode  back  to  marse's 
house." 

"  Another  raid  of  Marion's  men !  What  hap 
pened  then,  Cupid  ?  " 

"  I  sat  down  on  the  roadside,  an'  I  reckon  I  went 
fas'  asleep,  'caise  when  I  waked  up  de  sun  was 
shining,  an'  I  jes'  come  long  hyar  an'  stop  by  for 
something  to  eat,  'caise  I  'se  mighty  hungry,  I  is." 

"  Dinah  will  give  you  breakfast.  But,  Cupid, 
tell  me,  how  did  you  know  it  was  the  Rangers  ?  and 
was  any  one  hurt  when  the  guns  went  off  ?  " 

"  I  'se  seen  dem  befo',"  said  Cupid,  with  a  rogu 
ish  twinkle  in  his  eye.  "  I  come  on  two  ob  dem 
one  day  when  I  was  hunting  up  de  river  for  birds' 
nests,  an'  dey  was  good  to  me  —  dey  gave  me  silver 
money  to  carry  a  letter  inter  dey  city,  an'  I  jes' 


96  A  PRETTY  TORY 

stuck  it  in  de  winder  whar  dey  tole  me,  an'  ran 
away  fo'  anybody  ketched  me." 

"  He  is  n't  Cupid,  he  's  Mercury,"  said  Murray, 
unable  to  help  laughing  at  the  imp's  face  and 
manner.  "  Do  not  look  so  terrified,  Rose ;  the 
story  is  somewhat  incoherent.  I  '11  wager  there 
was  not  a  gun  fired.  Here,  Cupid,  did  you  see 
anyone  shot  ?  " 

"  No,  marse,  but  I  see  de   Rangers  holdin'  up 
dey  guns  an'  lookin'  like  dey  was  boun'  to  shoot 
mighty  quick,  an'  two  ob  dern  was  tying  ole  Marse 
Colonel  to  de  chair,  an'  de  ladies  was  screaming  — 
all  'cept  Missy  Geraldine." 

"  Rose,  Rose,"  called  a  gentle  voice  from  the 
verandah.  "  What  are  you  and  Allastar  talking 
about  ?  I  have  been  trying  to  tell  you  that  break 
fast  is  ready,  but  you  pay  no  attention." 

"  Oh,  mother,  such  news  ;  we  '11  be  with  you 
in  a  trice.  Cupid,  go  and  find  Dinah  and  get 
something  to  eat,"  and  Rose,  followed  by  Murray, 
went  into  the  dining-room,  where  Madam  Telfair 
had  preceded  them. 

She  was  a  commanding-looking  woman  in  the 
prime  of  life,  with  silvered  hair  and  soft  hazel 
eyes,  and  her  manner  to  her  kinsman  was  full  of 
graciousness,  although  she  knew  how  widely  apart 
the  gulf  stretched  between  Whigs  and  Tories. 
Allastar  Murray  was  a  far-away  cousin  of  her  hus 
band's,  who  had  come  to  Savannah  from  Scotland 
just  before  the  War  of  Independence  broke  out, 
and  had  shown  his  fondness  for  kingly  rule  by 


ROSE'S  DILEMMA  97 

affiliating  with  the  Tory  society  there,  having  been 
private  secretary  to  the  governor  of  the  province, 
Sir  James  Wright  (upon  his  return  to  the  city  in 
1780,  after  its  capture  by  the  British),  and  he 
still  held  the  position,  greatly  to  the  annoyance  of 
Rose,  who  took  every  opportunity  to  tease  and  tor 
ment  him  upon  his  political  principles.  But  as 
Murray  had  been  hopelessly  in  love  with  her  ever 
since  they  first  met,  he  could  find  it  in  his  heart 
to  forgive  her  for  being  a  staunch  Whig,  and  per 
haps  (though  he  would  not  admit  as  much)  the 
young  Scotchman  loved  her  all  the  more  for  her 
enthusiastic  patriotism. 

The  Telfairs  were  among  the  most  highly  re 
spected  families  in  the  province.  When  the  news 
of  the  battle  of  Lexington  reached  Savannah, 
Edward  Telfair,  with  five  others,  had  secured  a 
large  quantity  of  powder  stored  in  the  king's 
magazine,  and  secreted  it  so  carefully  that  although 
a  reward  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  sterling 
had  been  offered  for  its  recovery,  it  was  never 
found,  but  was  actually  sent  North  and  used  at 
the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill.  Belonging  also  to  the 
Council  of  Safety,  Rose's  father  stood  high  in  the 
confidence  of  the  Whigs,  and  being  made  a  dele 
gate  to  the  Continental  Congress,  was,  at  this  time, 
in  Philadelphia,  having  left  his  wife  and  daughter 
upon  the  plantation  in  charge  of  his  son.  But 
after  the  siege  of  Savannah,  Madam  Telfair  could 
restrain  her  boy  no  longer,  and  Roy  cast  his  lot 
with  Colonel  Marion,  whose  bravery  and  untiring 


98  A  PRETTY  TORY 

energy  in  pursuit  of  the  British  appealed  to  the 
gallant  young  Southerner's  very  soul.  The  fact 
that  Rose  and  her  mother  remained  alone  with 
their  black  servants  at  Dumblane  afforded  suffi 
cient  excuse  for  Allastar  Murray's  frequent  visits 
there,  and  his  position  with  Governor  Wright 
enabled  him,  in  a  quiet  way,  to  obtain  both  favors 
and  protection  for  them  which  were  not  often 
vouchsafed  the  Whigs,  especially  since  the  cruel 
and  stringent  rules  of  the  British  officers  had 
obtained  in  Savannah. 

When  Rose  had  finished  telling  her  mother 
Cupid's  story,  the  ladies  looked  at  each  other,  an 
unspoken  terror  in  their  eyes.  What  if  Roy  had 
been  one  of  the  daring  band  !  He  had  sent  them 
a  message  two  days  before,  and  therefore  could  not 
be  far  away.  Indeed,  so  sudden  and  unexpected 
were  Marion's  raids  both  in  South  Carolina  and 
Georgia  that  it  might  easily  happen  that  Roy 
would  appear  at  Dumblane  at  any  moment.  But 
Rose,  after  giving  her  mother  a  reassuring  smile, 
proceeded  to  keep  up  a  running  fire  of  mischievous 
and  teasing  questions,  as  much  to  cover  her 
unspoken  anxiety  as  for  the  pleasure  of  tormenting 
her  cousin. 

"  What  is  the  news  in  the  city  ?  It  seems  you 
have  to  come  to  Dumblane  to  hear  what  is  going 
on,  even  if  only  one  of  the  Swamp  Fox's  raids.  I 
am  dying  for  some  bit  of  gossip.  What  are  you 
doing  at  the  governor's  house,  for  example  ?  " 

"Making  ready  for  a  fete  which  takes  place 


ROSE'S  DILEMMA  99 

shortly,  in  honor,  Sir  James  tells  me,  of  Mistress 
Geraldine  Moncriffe.  Lady  Dolly  Menteith  is  to 
play  the  part  of  hostess,  and  it  promises  to  be  a 
grand  affair." 

"  Lady  Dolly  is  rather  a  gay  young  dame,  is  she 
not  ?  "  asked  Madam  Telfair. 

"  Oh,  aye,  but  so  playful  and  amiable  that  she 
makes  herself  a  great  favorite.  I  am  sure  my 
cousin  Rose  would  find  her  a  most  agreeable  com 
panion." 

"  Your  cousin  Rose  is  not  in  a  way  of  seeing 
much  of  her  at  present.  And  how  are  the  Durbe- 
ville  girls  ?  Anne,  no  doubt,  fainting  at  sight  of 
a  mouse,  and  Molly  speaking  her  mind  without 
regard  to  tact  or  policy." 

"  Which  is  very  descriptive  of  another  than 
Molly,"  said  her  mother  with  an  indulgent  smile. 
"  I  thought  we  heard  somewhat  of  the  devotion  of 
one  of  the  officers  at  the  fort  to  Molly." 

"  You  mean  young  Selwyn ;  't  is  a  pretty  boy, 
but  hardly  worthy  bright  Mistress  Molly." 

"  Protect  me  from  my  friends,"  cried  Rose. 
"Are  not  you  and  Mr.  Selwyn  bosom  com 
panions  ?  " 

"  Surely,  there  is  nothing  opprobrious  in  my 
remark  ?  He  is  but  a  boy,  and  he  is  " — • 

"  Pretty !  "  with  a  pout  of  scorn,  "  oh,  what 
ever  a  man  may  be  —  Why,  Hector,"  to  the  ser 
vant  behind  her  mother's  chair,  "  what  are  you 
about  ?  You  will  certainly  drop  that  coffee  cup  if 
you  flourish  it  so  wildly." 


100  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  Yes,  missy,"  returned  Hector.  "  Somebody 
have  come  to  see  you,"  and  he  pointed  toward  the 
open  window.  As  he  did  so,  a  shadow  fell  on  the 
floor,  and  looking  behind  her  quickly  Rose  saw  in 
the  doorway,  upon  the  threshold,  the  slight  figure 
of  an  Indian  girl. 

"  Laceola !  "  Rose  sprang  to  her  feet,  with  out 
stretched  hands.  "  How  glad  I  am  to  see  you  ;  it 
seems  long  since  you  were  here." 

"  The  White  Fawn's  words  are  sweet,"  said 
Laceola,  stepping  inside  the  room ;  "  her  voice  is 
like  the  running  brook  which  plays  in  the  sun. 
Laceola  has  walked  many  miles  since  sunset,  but 
she  forgets  the  long  road  when  the  White  Fawn 
speaks." 

Murray  looked  up  in  surprise  at  the  girl's 
musical  voice  and  poetry  of  speech. 

"  Have  you  never  chanced  to  meet  Laceola  ? " 
asked  Madam  Telfair.  "  She  and  her  brother, 
Ossaba,  wandered  to  our  door  after  the  battle 
with  the  Creeks  some  years  ago,  when  Ossaba  was 
a  lad  of  fifteen  and  she  about  ten  years  old.  We 
took  them  in,  fed  them,  and  taught  them  English, 
but  we  never  have  been  able  to  induce  Laceola  to 
remain  with  us.  The  brother  and  sister  belong 
to  the  Musgogees,  one  of  the  tribes  of  the  Creek 
nation,  from  which  the  chiefs  are  taken ;  and 
when  you  look  at  the  girl  it  is  easy  to  imagine  her 
possessed  of  royal  blood  among  her  own  people. 
The  totem  she  wears  is  the  symbol  of  her  rank ; 
Ossaba  has  the  same  tattooed  upon  his  left  arm. 


ROSE'S  DILEMMA  101 

Rose  taught  her  English,  but  the  poetic  rendering 
of  her  Indian  similes  is  all  her  own." 

"  The  White  Fawn's  eyes  are  troubled  ;  peiiiaps 
Laceola  can  say  some  words  to  make  her  dream 
pleasant  things.  Can  Laceola  speak  without 
fear  ?  "  and  the  girl  shot  a  quick  glance  toward 
Murray. 

Rose  gave  the  slender  hand  she  still  held  a 
warning  pressure.  "  Have  you  come  from  the 
Enchanted  Mountain  ? 1  Is  not  this  the  time  of 
year  when  the  tribes  meet  there  ?  " 

"  Not  yet ;  Laceola  has  been  with  the  Uchees. 
Their  squaws  are  on  Isla  Island,  not  far  from  the 
place  called  '  the  stone  of  help.'  " 

"  She  means  Ebenezer,  the  German  settlement," 
said  Rose.  "  But  the  British  soldiers  are  there 
now.  Laceola,  you  must  be  more  careful  how  you 
wander  through  the  forest." 

"  No  one  dare  harm  Laceola,"  said  the  Indian 
girl  haughtily.  "  She  carries  a  knife  and  can 
guard  herself.  But  the  White  Fawn  must  eat ; 
when  the  sun  has  come  an  hour  higher  in  the  sky, 
Laceola  will  return  and  talk  with  her." 

"  No,  no !  "  cried  Rose,  perceiving  that  Laceola's 
visit  meant  more  than  appeared  upon  the  surface. 
"  Come  out  on  the  verandah  with  us  and  we  will 
'  powwow.'  " 

"  No  time  for  '  powwow,' "  shaking  her  head 
with  a  smile ;  "  the  wild  pigeon  flies  in  the  day ; 

1  A  mountain  so  called  by  the  Indians  of  that  day  because  of 
the  curious  natural  formations  upon  the  rocks  found  there. 


102  A  PRETTY  TORY 

when  night  falls  she  perches  in  the  trees  out  of 
reach,  where  the  hunter  cannot  climb,  but  the 
bounding  elk  stays  on  the  plain  below." 

Rose's  heart  gave  a  throb  of  dismay.  "The 
Bounding  Elk," —  that  was  Laceola's  playful  name 
for  Roy ;  was  he  in  danger  ?  She  must  let  the 
girl  execute  her  errand  in  her  own  way,  trusting 
that  Murray  would  not  understand  the  gravity  of 
the  situation  or  Indian  hyperbole. 

"  Let  the  Wild  Pigeon  fold  her  wings  and  rest," 
said  Rose,  readily  adopting  the  simile ;  "  she  can 
both  eat  and  drink  here." 

"  She  drank  from  the  brook  where  the  water 
flows  clearest  in  the  spring-house,"  returned 
Laceola,  bending  a  penetrating  look  upon  her. 
"  The  tramp  of  horses  had  muddied  the  stream 
below." 

"  Horses  ?  Did  you  ride  around  through  the 
plantation  as  you  came  this  morning  ?  "  said  Rose 
to  Murray. 

"  Not  I,"  he  replied  carelessly,  as  he  rose  from 
the  table  ;  "  probably  Cupid's  friends,  the  troopers, 
may  have  taken  the  short  cut  through  this  place  to 
reach  Glenmoira." 

"  Very  likely  ;  "  and  Rose,  Laceola,  and  Murray 
stepped  aside  to  permit  Madam  Telfair  to  pass 
through  the  door,  but  the  Indian  girl  made  a  sig 
nificant  gesture  unseen  by  the  others  as  she  whis 
pered  in  Rose's  ear,  "  The  Bounding  Elk  waits  at 
the  stream  —  go  quickly,"  and  then  she  glided 
with  noiseless  step  on  the  verandah. 


ROSE'S  DILEMMA  103 

Rose  stood  motionless  for  a  moment  as  she 
realized  her  dilemma.  Roy  must  be  concealed  at 
the  spring-house ;  he  might  even  be  rash  enough 
to  come  to  the  mansion  unless  she  forestalled  him, 
and  Laceola's  words  convinced  her  of  the  necessity 
of  haste.  She  dare  not  trust  to  Murray's  sense 
of  kinship  if  he  were  suddenly  confronted  with  one 
of  Marion's  men,  and  beside,  his  confidential  posi 
tion  with  the  governor  might  be  jeopardized  were 
it  discovered  that,  in  addition  to  his  frequenting 
the  plantation  of  such  well-known  Whigs,  he  had 
met  a  rebel  in  arms  there.  What  excuse  should 
she  make?  how  absent  herself  long  enough  to  fly 
down  to  the  spring-house  without  suspicious  rude 
ness  ?  For  twit  and  tease  him  as  she  might,  in  her 
heart  she  had  rather  a  good  opinion  of  Allastar 
Murray's  quickness  and  ability,  and  that  added  to 
her  ardent  desire  to  outwit  him  in  the  present 
emergency. 

There  was  but  one  thing  to  do,  and  Rose 
promptly  executed  her  little  plan.  If  she  could 
induce  Laceola  to  tell  one  of  her  Indian  legends 
she  could  slip  off  quietly  during  the  recital,  leav 
ing  her  mother  to  listen  and  take  care  of  Murray. 
And  fortune  favored  her,  as  that  fickle  jade  does 
sometimes  when  we  least  expect  it,  for  when  she 
followed  the  others  to  the  verandah  she  overheard 
Murray  say,  — 

"What  a  singularly  musical  name  —  even  for 
an  Indian." 

"  Laceola  ?     Yes,  is  it  not  ?     You  should  hear 


104  A  PRETTY  TORY 

her  tell  the  legend,  and  why  she  bears  it.     For  it 
is  not  a  woman's  name,  is  it,  Laceola  ?  " 

The  girl  looked  up  at  Rose,  and  divined  her 
meaning,  for  she  threw  herself  on  a  cushion  at 
Madam  Telfair's  feet,  and  began  her  tale  in  her 
low,  monotonous  tone  which  somehow  had  a  strain 
of  sweetness  and  pathos  in  it. 

"  Laceola  was  a  brave  chieftain,"  she  said 
proudly,  "  and  because  I  am  of  his  blood,  I  bear 
his  name.  Long  ago  before  the  pale  faces  ever 
set  foot  in  the  land  of  my  people,  and  the  Indian 
walked  his  native  forests,  there  lived  a  moon's 
journey  from  here  the  beautiful  Nacoochee.  She 
was  the  daughter  of  the  chief  of  her  tribe,  and 
many  young  braves  sought  her.  But  one  day, 
wandering  alone  in  the  thicket,  an  arrow  sped  so 
closely  that  it  grazed  her  arm.  She  cried  aloud  in 
terror,  and  the  bushes  parted,  and  a  young  brave 
glided  softly  toward  her.  Nacoochee  knew  by  his 
totem  that  he  belonged  to  a  warlike  tribe  who  were 
enemies  of  her  father,  and  prepared  to  die.  But 
struck  by  her  beauty  and  helplessness,  he  kneeled 
at  her  feet,  confided  to  her  that  he  was  Laceola, 
the  chief  of  his  tribe,  and  binding  up  her  wound 
begged  her  to  forgive  him.  It  was  enough ;  the 
young  blood  flows  fiery  in  the  veins  of  my  people, 
and  from  that  moment  they  loved  each  other." 

At  this  point  in  the  story  there  arose  a  sound 
of  voices  from  the  dining-room.  Laceola  cast  a 
beseeching  glance  at  Rose,  who  sprang  up,  seeing 
her  opportunity. 


ROSE'S  DILEMMA  105 

"That  is  Hector  arraigning  Cupid  for  some 
piece  of  mischief.  Go  on  with  your  story,  Laceola ; 
I  will  return  in  a  few  minutes,"  and  sighing  with 
relief,  as  she  blessed  Cupid  in  her  heart  for  his 
pranks,  Rose  flew  down  the  staircase  and  out  of 
the  back  door,  down  the  path  to  the  spring-house. 

Laceola  resumed  her  story  with  unruffled  com 
posure.  "  After  that  day  Nacoochee  was  changed. 
Every  day  the  lovers  met  by  stealth,  and  the 
young  chiefs  and  braves  of  her  tribe  became  de 
spairing,  for  she  would  not  smile  for  them.  At  last, 
one  spring  day  her  father  followed  her,  with  sev 
eral  of  his  young  men,  and  concealing  themselves 
in  the  thickets  saw  the  lovers'  meeting.  FiUed 
with  rage,  he  fitted  an  arrow  to  his  bow  and  drew 
it  upon  Laceola,  but  Nacoochee's  keen  ears  had 
caught  the  sound,  and  as  she  flung  herself  upon 
Laceola's  breast,  the  arrow  found  her  heart.  Then 
tho  chief  and  his  companions  fell  upon  Laceola, 
and  so,  pierced  with  several  arrows,  still  clinging 
to  Nacoochee,  he  died.  But  the  Great  Spirit  was 
angry  because  of  the  slaughter  of  two  unoffending 
lovers,  and  He  caused  remorse  to  fall  upon  the 
chief,  and  they  were  buried  in  the  same  grave,  and 
a  great  mound  was  made  to  mark  their  tomb. 
That  lovely  valley  where  they  died  is  called  Na 
coochee  to  this  day,  and  Laceola  goes  sometimes 
to  invoke  their  spirits  to  aid  her  when  she  is  sad."  l 

Rose  fled  like  a  lapwing  through  the  still  wet 

1  For  this  legend,  see  Historical  Collections  of  Georgia.  The 
Nacoochee  Valley  is  celebrated  for  its  beauty. 


106  A  PRETTY  TORY 

grass,  and  as  she  reached  the  spring-house  her 
heart  beat  almost  to  suffocation  lest  she  was  too 
late.  But  as  she  ran  up  the  steps,  a  dear  voice 
spoke  softly,  and  in  another  instant  she  was  clasped 
in  her  brother's  arms. 

"  Oh,  Roy,  Roy,  is  this  prudent,  is  this  wise  ? 
If  't  was  you  of  whose  raid  last  night  I  heard,  you 
should  have  been  many  miles  away  in  the  forest. 
Every  instant  here  is  a  fresh  danger." 

"  Hush,  Rose  ;  do  you  think  I  would  have  left 
my  command  willingly  ?  No,  I  have  been  tasting 
the  fruits  of  captivity  —  almost  of  death,  —  and 
but  for  dear  old  Margot  I  might  now  be  looking 
down  the  muzzles  of  the  guns  of  a  squad  of  British 
troopers  detailed  to  shoot  me  for  my  treason." 

"  Good  God,"  she  gasped,  "  how,  and  where 
fore  ?  " 

"  Because  I  have  had  the  ill  luck  to  fall  into 
Tarleton's  hands." 

"  Aye,  he  was  expected  at  Glenmoira  last  night, 
so  Geraldine  told  me." 

"  Geraldine  !  "  he  said  bitterly  ;  "  never  name 
her  to  me  again.  She  is  false  to  the  very  core ; 
troth-plighted  to  him,  that  monster  of  cruelty." 

"  Oh,  Roy,  indeed  you  wrong  her.  She  is  not 
yet  plighted  ;  she  told  me  " 

"  1  tell  you  I  saw  the  love-token,  her  miniature ; 
it  rolled  from  his  breast  on  the  floor,  at  my  feet, 
and  she  did  not  gainsay  it.  She  asked  him  for 
my  life,  Rose,  and  I  flung  it  back  in  his  teeth, 
and  for  a  tune  I  believe  I  went  utterly  mad." 


ROSE'S  DILEMMA  107 

"  You  are  not  yourself  now ;  I  do  beseech  you 
to  be  calm,  and  fly  before  it  is  too  late." 

"  Nay,  I  renounce  her  —  and  henceforth  I  live 
but  for  my  country.  Alas,  my  mind  misgave  me 
when  she  left  her  home.  I  might  have  known 
that  a  woman  cannot  withstand  the  glitter  and 
glamour  of  a  court,  corrupt  though  it  be,  or  the 
questionable  gallantries  of  a  man  like  Banastre 
Tarleton." 

"  Roy,  be  still."  Rose  laid  a  small,  firm  hand 
on  his  arm.  "  Somehow  I  cannot  quite  believe 
you.  When  I  looked  in  Geraldine's  eyes  yester 
day  there  was  the  same  steadfast  beauty  as  of  old. 
She  avowed  her  Toiy  principles,  and  I  left  her  in 
momentary  anger,  for  you  know  my  spirit  cannot 
brook  an  enemy  to  my  cause  or  my  country.  Be 
not  rash ;  try  to  see,  when  your  passion  cools,  that 
there  may  yet  be  a  chance  " 

"  And  you  think  I  would  take  it  ?  Surely,  you 
cannot  understand  what  you  propose.  Never,  Rose, 
never  !  Farewell ;  my  duty  to  my  mother,  and  all 
the  love  I  have  left  to  you  both.  Tell  Laceola  to 
follow  me  to  the  Swamp ;  she  knows  the  place. 
Farewell,  farewell !  "  and  leaving  a  fond  kiss  on 
her  upturned  face  Roy  dashed  down  the  steps, 
crossed  the  brook,  and  was  gone. 


CHAPTER  IX 
IN  MARION'S  CAMP 

ON  the  banks  of  the  Ogeechee  River,  some 
thirty  miles  from  Savannah,  and  as  the  crow  flies, 
nearly  opposite  the  settlement  of  Ebenezer,  there 
was  a  level  plateau  of  perhaps  a  quarter  of  a  mile, 
when  you  emerged  from  the  forest,  and,  troubled 
with  comparatively  little  undergrowth,  continued 
on  to  a  bluff,  below  which  ran  the  stream,  making 
a  sharp  bend  as  it  flowed  southerly.  Generally 
speaking,  this  plateau  was  silent  and  deserted  as 
the  rest  of  the  forest  around  it,  save  for  the  deer 
that  came  to  drink  there,  but  this  morning  it  was 
full  of  unwonted  visitors  and  presented  a  scene  of 
busy  activity.  Picketed  to  the  live-oak  trees  were 
full  sixty  horses,  whose  riders  were  busy  giving 
their  beasts  food,  and  then  leading  them,  one  by 
one,  to  the  shore  to  drink  from  the  river,  while  at 
a  campfire  other  men  were  broiling  fish  and  game, 
preparatory  to  breakfast,  which  would  soon  be 
ready. 

On  top  of  the  bluff,  overlooking  the  water,  were 
a  group  of  men,  who,  though  they  bore  no  insignia 
of  rank  on  their  green  blouses,  were  unmistakably 
the  officers  of  the  detachment.  Brown  of  face, 


IN  MARION'S  CAMP  109 

sturdy  of  limb,  they  looked  like  genuine  sons  of 
the  forest,  and  one  could  almost  fancy  himself 
back  among  the  bold  outlaws  of  Robin  Hood's 
band,  who  fought,  as  these  of  a  later  day  and  new 
born  colony,  for  freedom  from  the  tyranny  of  an 
English  king. 

"  It  strikes  me,  McKay,"  said  a  young  fellow, 
not  more  than  twenty,  who  was  peeling  the  bark 
off  a  willow  stick  which  he  had  just  broken  to  use 
as  a  riding  switch, —  "  it  strikes  me  that  we  should 
hear  something  of  Telfair  and  his  expedition. 
What  good  fortune  it  will  be  if  he  contrive  to 
capture  Tarleton !  And  why  should  he  not,  as  he 
had  certain  information  that  the  colonel  was  mov 
ing  southward  with  a  few  men  as  escort  ?  I  con 
fess  I  envy  Telfair  his  detail,"  and  he  heaved  a 
genuine  sigh  of  regret. 

"  Wait  until  you  hear  the  result.  Telfair  may 
have  met  with  unexpected  obstacles,  and  the  ren 
dezvous  is  not  until  to-night,  here,  at  this  spot. 
Gad,  if  he  does  manage  to  capture  '  the  butcher ' 
he  will  be  the  most  to  be  envied  of  any  of  the 
Rangers  ;  for  I  know  Colonel  Marion  burns  to 
avenge  the  slaughter  at  Waxham  Creek." 

"  And  well  he  may,"  cried  the  youngster  fiercely ; 
" '  Tarleton's  Quarter '  is  become  a  by- word  and 
the  rallying  cry  to  us,  one  and  all." 

"  What 's  that  ?  "  said  McKay,  springing  to  his 
feet,  as  his  quick  ear  caught  the  sound  of  breaking 
twigs  in  the  thicket  to  the  left  of  the  plateau,  and 
following  the  sound  they  saw  an  Indian  glide 


110  A  PRETTY  TORY 

toward  them,  waving  his  hand  in  apparent  amity 
and  good  faith. 

"  Ossaba,  the  scout,  —  news  then,"  and  off  sped 
McKay  to  where  the  leader  stood  with  his  trusty 
lieutenants  around  him. 

"  The  Rangers  are  coming ;  they  bring  ten 
prisoners  to  the  Swamp  Fox,"  said  Ossaba,  gravely 
saluting  Marion,  who  stepped  forward  to  meet 
him. 

"Redcoats?"  questioned  he  briefly. 

"  Two  ;  others  all  city  men ;  much  eat,  much 
drink,  much  'f  raid,  like  squaws  —  ugh !  "  said 
Ossaba  contemptuously. 

"  Two,  only,  —  if  by  chance  one  should  be 
Tarleton ! " 

"  Not  big  chief  ;  Bounding  Elk  tie  him  to  horse 

—  then  come  redcoat  men   and  seize    Bounding 

Elk  ;  Ossaba  hide  in  thicket ;  Rangers  ride  away." 

"  By  heavens,  gentlemen,  he  means  that  Telfair 
is  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  that  enemy 
may  be  Tarleton  himself.  God  forbid  that  our 
expedition  should  end  thus  disastrously,"  and 
Marion's  bronzed  face  grew  pale  at  the  very 
thought. 

"  Hark,  here  comes  the  detachment,"  cried 
McKay,  as  the  sound  of  voices,  mingled  with  the 
movement  of  mounted  men  seen  through  the  trees, 
reached  their  eager  ears,  and  the  troopers  appeared 
on  the  plateau,  and  flung  themselves  off  their  tired 
horses,  while  the  sergeant  in  charge  dismounted 
and  made  his  report. 


IN  MARION'S  CAMP  111 

"  Just  arrived  from  Colonel  Moncriffe's  planta 
tion,  sir,  with  ten  prisoners,  captured  while  at 
dinner  by  Captain  Telfair.  No  casualties,  but 
have  to  report  the  captain  as  captured  by  a  squad 
of  British  troopers,  who  came  suddenly  upon  us  as 
we  were  about  riding  off.  Captain  Telfair  had 
taken  Colonel  Tarleton  with  his  own  hands,  and 
had  him  securely  tied  to  a  led  horse,  but  being 
hampered  by  Mistress  Moncriffe's  appearance  and 
by  her  throwing  herself  directly  in  his  pathway, 
he  ordered  us  to  disperse,  which  order  we  instantly 
obeyed,  and  Captain  Telfair  was  captured." 

"  Better  have  lost  the  prisoners  than  have  con 
signed  Telfair  to  such  fate,"  cried  McKay  passion 
ately. 

"  The  sergeant  seems  to  have  obeyed  orders," 
said  Marion  quietly,  as  he  saw  the  color  brighten 
in  the  trooper's  cheeks.  "  Where  are  the  prison 
ers  ?  Fetch  them  before  me  at  once."  McKay 
bit  his  lips,  and  as  Marion  saw  the  hot  tears  that 
rushed  to  his  eyes,  he  said  in  a  low  tone,  "  Trust 
Telfair  to  extricate  himself  if  possible  ;  if  not, 
we  may  effect  an  exchange." 

Colonel  Marion,  with  his  officers,  stood  con 
fronting  the  prisoners  as  they  were  grouped  before 
him,  guarded  by  the  Rangers.  They  presented  a 
somewhat  woe-begone  appearance,  with  the  excep 
tion  of  the  two  officers,  Major  Sefton  and  Ensign 
Selwyn,  while  Sir  Charles  Adderly  had  lost  his 
debonnaire  air  of  elderly  beau,  and  with  his  queue 
untied  and  his  lace  ruffles  torn  was  a  prey  to  the 


112  A  PRETTY  TORY 

deepest  dejection.  Having  been  treated  by  the 
Tories  to  tales  of  ferocity  and  bloodshed  regarding 
Marion  and  his  men  ever  since  reaching  Savannah, 
he  did  not  for  a  moment  suppose  that  the  cour 
teous,  almost  mild-mannered  gentleman  who  ad 
dressed  him  could  be  the  famous  partisan  leader  of 
the  South. 

"  May  I  ask  your  name  and  rank,  sir  ?  "  said 
Marion,  saluting  him  gravely. 

"  Captain  Sir  Charles  Adderly,  Royal  Navy, 
commanding  His  Majesty's  ship  Hornet,  now 
stationed  in  New  York  harbor." 

"  And  how  came  you  off  duty,  sir,  in  Savannah  ? 
Perhaps  for  a  pleasure  trip  ?  " 

"  I  have  hardly  found  it  such  in  this  portion  of 
His  Majesty's  dominion,  I  do  assure  you.  I  am 
ordered  here  by  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  to  report  the 
condition  of  ships  in  the  port  of  Savannah  and 
the  state  of  feeling  in  the  province  toward  the 
crown." 

"  I  fear  that  the  latter  is  not  such  that  you  can 
report  favorably,"  said  Marion  dryly.  "  Stand 
aside  ;  who  are  these  officers  ?  " 

Major  Sefton  and  Selwyn  now  came  up  for  in 
spection,  and  after  asking  them  a  few  questions  he 
dismissed  them,  and  then  Marion  confronted  the 
remaining  seven  others. 

"  So,"  he  said  sternly,  "  we  have  here  a  group  of 
men  of  whom  I  know  something.  All  of  you,  save 
one,  are  men  of  means  and  education,  born  on  this 
soil,  the  sons  of  those  who  came  to  these  shores  to 


IN  MARION'S  CAMP  113 

find  that  greatest  gift  of  God,  freedom  of  speech 
and  action.  And  how  have  you  used  your  privi 
leges  ?  —  traitors  that  you  are  to  your  kin  and 
neighbors,  who  open  your  homes  to  the  soldiers  of 
a  corrupt  king,  who  come  to  curtail  our  liberties 
and  to  force  us  to  adopt  unjust  laws  at  the  point 
of  the  sword !  Answer  for  yourselves,  if  you 
can,  for  at  the  door  of  such  as  you  lies  the  blood 
shed  at  Charleston,  at  Waxham,  and  at  the  siege 
of  your  own  city  of  Savannah,  which  cries  to 
Heaven  for  succor." 

The  American  Tories  stood  mute  under  Marion's 
fiery  arraignment ;  hardly  a  man  dared  meet  his 
scornful  eyes,  and  after  a  moment's  pause,  to  con 
trol  his  passion,  Marion  resumed. 

"You  will  be  taken,  securely  guarded,  to  my 
camp  in  South  Carolina,  there  to  remain  until  I 
can  exchange  you  for  men  who  are  now  im 
prisoned  in  Charleston.  I  will  see  that  messages 
be  sent  your  families  in  Savannah  as  to  your 
condition  as  prisoners  of  war.  Guards,  remove 
the  prisoners." 

As  Marion  was  about  to  turn  away*  and  seek  his 
breakfast,  he  perceived  Ossaba  standing  at  his 
elbow. 

"  Ossaba  has  more  to  tell  the  Swamp  Fox,"  said 
the  Indian  softly.  "  He  heard  the  redcoats  talk 
as  they  fed  horses ;  Ossaba  lie  still,  listen ;  they 
say  Bounding  Elk  will  be  shot  at  fort ;  big  chief 
very  angry  with  him." 

"  When  ?  —  did  you  hear  when  ?  " 


114  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  No,  Ossaba  hear  too  much  talk ;  too  many 
tongues  same  time."  Marion  stood  for  a  moment 
in  deep  thought ;  then  he  walked  back  where  the 
two  English  officers  were  seated  beneath  a  tree, 
eating  with  apparent  relish  the  breakfast  of 
broiled  fish  that  had  been  set  before  them. 

"  I  have  received  intelligence  which  somewhat 
alters  my  plans  in  regard  to  one  of  you  two  gentle 
men.  Your  name,  sir,  I  think  you  told  me,  was 
Selwyn?" 

"  Yes,"  answered  the  young  man,  springing  to 
his  feet  and  unconsciously  according  to  Colonel 
Marion  the  courtesy  of  a  salute. 

"  Then  I  wish  to  ask  if  I  release  you  upon 
parole  to  carry  a  message  from  me  to  your  com 
mandant,  Colonel  Prevost,  will  you  deliver  it  and 
keep  faith  with  a  Whig  and  a  rebel  ?  " 

A  flush  stained  Selwyn's  cheek.  "  Why  not, 
sir  ?  Although  the  British  consider  your  command 
in  the  light  of  outlaws,  I  am  aware  that  you  hold 
a  commission  from  the  so-called  Continental  Con 
gress,  and  therefore  I  accept  parole." 

"I  thank^you,  sir;  my  message  will  be  brief, 
but  you  will  see  that  there  is  need  for  speed  in 
the  matter.  I  am  informed  that  Captain  Telfair, 
who  commanded  the  detachment  which  made  you 
prisoner,  has  been  condemned  to  death  by  Colonel 
Tarleton.  You  will  kindly  convey  to  Colonel 
Prevost  my  assurance  that  I  hold  Captain  Sir 
Charles  Adderly  as  hostage  for  Captain  Telfair, 
and  that  so  surely  as  harm  befall  my  comrade,  Sir 


IN  MARION'S  CAMP  115 

Charles's  life  will  answer  for  it.  You  understand 
me,  —  his  life.  A  horse  here  for  Mr.  Selwyn  ;  you 
will  pardon  my  cutting  short  my  farewell,  as  I  am 
aware  that  Colonel  Tarleton  acts  with  dispatch, 
and  I  advise  you  to  make  the  best  speed  you  are 
capable  of.  Ossaba  my  scout  will  conduct  you  on 
the  trail  as  far  as  the  town  of  Ebenezer ;  when 
there  you  can  readily  reach  Savannah.  Farewell, 
sir,  and  recollect  that  two  lives  hang  on  your 
speed." 

Marion  walked  hastily  away,  and  in  less  time 
than  it  takes  to  tell,  Selwyn  found  himself  again 
mounted  on  horseback,  and  with  Ossaba  in  close 
attendance,  plunged  into  the  forest  on  his  return 
journey  to  Savannah. 


CHAPTER  X 

A   CLEVER   RUSE 

THE  household  at  Glenmoira  slept  late  the 
morning  after  the  dinner  which  had  been  so  rudely 
interrupted  by  Marion's  men,  and  Venus,  chief  of 
the  kitchen,  had  sent  two  messages  to  Jupiter  be 
fore  that  worthy  appeared,  rubbing  his  eyes  and 
full  of  apologies  for  oversleeping. 

"  Such  goings  on,"  sniffed  Venus,  her  red  madras 
handkerchief  poked  ominously  over  her  left  eye 
brow,  as  it  was  given  to  be  when  her  temper  was 
ruffled.  "  De  bes'  sort  o'  sweet  puddin's  and 
cheese-tarts  all  los',  de  salads  frow'd  onto  de  pantry 
flo',  and  ebery  'ting  topsy-turvy  'caise  dem  rebels 
come  here  invadin'  peaceful  folks.  An'  de  quality 
too.  I  'd  like  ter  know  what  Marse  Colonel  and 
young  miss  hev  got  to  do  wif  dem  ole  green-coats  ; 
de  raid  ones  is  much  mo'  to  my  mind,  I  jist  tell 
yer  dat,  Jupiter." 

"  Dun  no  'bout  dat,"  quoth  Jupiter,  with  a  du 
bious  shake  of  his  grizzled  pate.  "  Did  yer  'preciate 
de  fac'  dat  de  young  marster  who  grabbed  de  rose 
outen  de  British  colonel's  han'  was  Marse  Roy, 
Madam  Telfair's  son  an'  Missy  Rose's  brudder  ? 
He  come  'long  up  de  staircase  jis'  as  I  was  'bout 
fetchin'  marse  de  ole  an'  bes'  port,  an'  he  clap  him 


A   CLEVER   RUSE  117 

han'  on  my  arm  an'  says,  '  Jupiter,  my  ole  fren', 
don'  yo'  interfere  in  dis  'fair,'  an'  he  march  me 
down  de  stairs,  like  a  lamb,  ah'  turns  de  key  on 
me  in  de  twinklin'  ob  an  eye,  an'  dere  I  stay  till 
yo'  come  and  let  me  out." 

"  An'  yo'  was  hollerin'  fit  to  raise  de  daid,"  re 
turned  Venus,  beating  eggs  vigorously.  "  Why,  in 
de  Lord's  name,  did  n't  yo'  do  dat  befo'  ?  " 

"  Befo'  ?  "  asked  Jupiter  with  an  air  of  injured 
innocence,  "  what  fer  I  go  spile  sport  dat  er 
way?" 

"  Call  dat  sport  ?  You  'se  a  mean  sneakin'  ole 
Whig,  dat 's  what  you  is,"  snorted  Venus,  who  had 
long  since  declared  her  preference  for  kings  and 
Tories,  "  an'  yo'  ought  to  be  'shamed  o'  yourself, 
wif  yo'  gray  hairs,  helpin'  such  spoilin'  ob  good 
food  an'  spillin'  ob  good  wines  !  Hi,  who  dat  comin' 
bawlin'  and  cryin'  into  my  kitchen,  I'd  like  ter 
know." 

In  the  doorway  appeared  the  distracted  figure 
of  a  young  slave  girl,  closely  followed  by  Phoebus, 
who  seemed  to  be  doing  his  best  to  comfort  her. 

"  It 's  only  me  an'  Cinthy,  Aunt  Venus.  She 
cayn't  fin'  Cupid,  an'  she  's  certain  suah  dat  de 
rebels  done  carry  him  off  wif  dem." 

"  He  's  daid,  he  's  daid,  my  lil'  Cupid,"  wailed 
Cinthy.  "  I  hear  de  whipporwill  cry  free  times  be- 
hin'  de  wood-pile  night  fo'  las',  an'  dat 's  heap  bad 
luck,  an'  I  '11  never  see  my  chile  no  mo',"  and  she 
threw  herself  down  on  the  floor  with  an  evident 
intention  of  developing  hysterics. 


118  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  Stop  dat,"  said  Aunt  Venus,  setting  the  eggs 
down  and  seizing  the  girl  with  a  firm  hand  ; ;t  dey  's 
no  use  o'  yo'  makin'  a  fool  o'  yo'self  'fo'  yo'  know 
de  chile  ain't  somewhar  'roun'  de  plantation. 
Dem  rebels  ain't  spendin'  dere  time  huntin'  fer 
piccaninnies.  'Caise  dat  boy  is  smart  an'  peart, 
ain't  no  reason  fer  makin'  dem  dare-debils  any 
blacker  dan  dey  is.  Yo'  jis'  stop  yo'  nonsense, 
Cinthy.  I  'clare  fer  it,'  ef  Phoebus  cay  n't  make 
yo'  behave  I  '11  jis'  call  somebody  who  can." 

As  Cinthy  knew  that  this  threat  meant  an  ap 
peal  to  "  marse,"  whose  temper  was  of  the  short 
est,  and  to  whom  a  piccaninny  more  or  less  only 
•  signified  as  they  were  valuable  for  his  purposes, 
she  thought  better  of  giving  way  to  hysterics,  and 
was  presently  consoled  by  Phoebus'  promising  to 
ransack  the  entire  place  in  search  of  the  missing 
one,  and  a  cup  of  Venus'  hot  coffee  proved  suc 
cessful  in  stopping  her  tears  for  the  time  being. 

"  Dar  goes  marse,"  said  Phoebus,  as  the  sound 
of  a  gong  came  echoing  down  the  stairway. 
"  Reckon  he  ain't  'pearin'  in  de  shape  ob  an  angel 
dis  yer  morn  in',  an'  be  keerful,  Venus,  dat  de 
coffee  am  clar  an'  strong." 

"•  Yo'  go  long  an'  min'  yo'  own  business,  an' 
lemme  'tend  to  my  cookin'.  What  am  dis  plan 
tation  comin'  to  when  de  niggers  tink  dey  can 
specify  Venus'  coffee  !  " 

Phoebus  dodged  the  egg  the  insulted  goddess 
of  the  kitchen  sent  whirling  at  his  head,  and  sub 
dued  his  chuckle  over  having  teased  the  divinity 


A  CLEVER  RUSE  119 

as  he  rapped  cautiously  on  Colonel  Moncriffe's 
door. 

"  Here,  boy,  fetch  me  my  morning  punch,"  came 
the  voice  behind  the  curtains  of  the  four-posted 
bed,  "and  be  quick  about  it.  Have  my  guests 
arisen  ?  " 

"  I  tink  not,  marse,  ain't  heard  any  ob  dem 
stirrin'  'roun'  in  de  bachelor  quarters,"  said 
Pho3bus,  bringing  the  decanter  from  the  dresser 
to  the  bedside,  and  pouring  out  a  glass  of  its 
golden  contents.  "  Marse  Captain  was  mighty 
lucky  las'  night." 

"  What  captain,  you  rascal  ?  Oh,  I  suppose 
you  mean  Halleck,  the  gentleman  who  arrived  with 
Colonel  Tarleton." 

"  Yes,  marse,  de  way  was  dis.  When  de 
Rangers  " 

"  Damn  it,  boy,  call  them  rebels." 

"  —  Rebels,"  corrected  Phoebus  submissively, 
rolling  his  eyes  as  he  went  deftly  on  with  his  mas 
ter's  toilet,  "  when  dey  fotched  all  de  gem'men  out 
an'  perceeded  ter  put  dem  onto  de  hosses,  de  feller 
leadin'  him  foun'  dat  particular  hoss  what  was  fer 
him  an'  de  captain  was  limpin'  in  de  fo'  foot,  an' 
so  he  had  ter  stop  an'  see  what 's  de  matter,  an' 
befo'  he  quite  tended  to  dat  foot  de  bugle  was 
blowin'  an'  de  British  was  hyar,  an'  so  dat  rebel 
jis'  made  off  in  de  dark,  leavin'  Marse  Captain  on 
de  groun'.  He  lay  dar  cussin',  caise  I  hear  him 
when  I  come  'long  from  de  quarters  whar  I  was 
locked  up,  an'  I  ran  an'  foun'  a  knife  and  cut  de 


120  A    PRETTY  TORY 

cords  mighty  quick.  'Pears  like  he  was  lucky, 
marse.  Does  you  b'lieve  close  prisoners  will  be 
shot  by  de  rebels,  eh,  marse  ?  " 

At  this  point  Colonel  Moncriffe  relieved  his 
mind  by  language  which  added  to  Phrebus'  opinion 
that  his  mood  was  far  removed  from  the  angelic, 
and  so  impressed  him  with  the  necessity  for  speed 
in  the  toilet  operations  that  the  colonel  descended 
to  find  his  guests  before  the  hour  struck,  and  as  he 
reached  the  portico  there  arose  the  most  extraordi 
nary  hubbub  in  the  region  of  the  servant's  quarters, 
and  O'Brien  came  running  out,  breathless  and 
frightened. 

"  Good-morning,  sergeant,"  said  Moncriffe,  as 
the  trooper  paused,  uncertain  which  way  to  pro 
ceed  ;  "  are  you  looking  for  Colonel  Tarleton  ?  " 

"  Yes,  sir.  I  beg  your  pardon,  sir,  but  are  there 
ghosts  in  this  house  who  can  open  doors  without 
saying  by  your  lave  ?  " 

"  Ghosts  ?  It 's  early  in  the  day  for  you  to  be 
drunk,  my  man,"  said  Colonel  Moncriffe  in  an 
offended  tone. 

"  I  'm  not  drunk,  sir,  but  small  blame  to  ye  for 
thinking  so.  I  'm  on  the  way  to  report  to  Colonel 
Tarleton  that  the  prisoner  has  escaped." 

"  Escaped ! " 

"  Yes,  sir  ;  divil  a  bit  of  him  can  we  find  any 
how.  We  locked  him  in  that  storehouse  beyant, 
the  three  of  us,  Burt,  McGinnis,  and  me,  and  the 
bars  at  the  window  are  not  touched,  nor  disturbed, 
but  the  young  gentleman  is  not  to  be  found  inside, 


A  CLEVER  RUSE  121 

and  we  are  ready  to  swear  that  we  kept  good  guard 
outside  the  door  in  the  passage,  for  not  a  wink  of 
sleep  came  betune  our  eyelids  the  blessed  night  — 
or  what  was  left  of  it,  for  dawn  was  not  long 
coming  after  Burt  rode  off." 

"  But  it 's  impossible  —  out  of  the  question  ! 
That  storeroom  has  110  exit  except  by  the  passage 
where  the  servants'  quarters  are  located.  Are  you 
very  sure  you  secured  the  lock  properly?" 

"Ay,  sir,"  said  the  trooper  doggedly,  "  an'  not 
a  fly  or  a  mosquito  even  could  pass  the  keyhole 
widout  my  knowing  it.  I  'm  told  that  witches 
sometimes  are  seen  on  the  plantation." 

"  Damnation  !  "  Colonel  Moncriffe's  irritation 
was  beginning  to  find  vent,  when  his  colloquy  was 
ended  by  the  appearance  upon  the  portico  of  both 
Tarleton  and  Halleck,  the  former  laughing  heartily 
at  some  joke  he  had  just  been  relating,  when  he 
caught  sight  of  his  host. 

"  You  look  disturbed,  sir,"  was  Tarleton's  greet 
ing  as  they  bowed  with  stately  politeness  to  each 
other.  "  I  trust  your  daughter  and  the  other 
ladies  are  well  this  morning  and  suffer  no  ill  effects 
from  the  drama  enacted  last  evening?  Had  our 
Ranger  friends  but  given  us  intimation  of  their 
purpose  we  might  have  rehearsed  the  play  more 
smoothly." 

"  I  have  not  heard  from  our  guests  as  yet,  but 
—  pardon  me  —  we  have  a  more  serious  affair  here. 
Your  sergeant  informs  me  that  the  prisoner  you 
secured  last  night  has  escaped." 


122  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  What,  sir  ?  "  Tarleton's  brow  clouded  and 
his  dark  eyes  sparkled  ominously,  as  he  turned 
them  upon  O'Brien,  who  shrank  back  as  he  real 
ized  the  fact  of  his  colonel's  anger.  "  Are  my 
fellows  capable  of  such  loose  guard  as  this? 
Speak,  O'Brien,  what's  occurred?" 

O'Brien  in  as  few  and  terse  words  as  possible 
repeated  his  statement.  Tarleton  thought  for  a 
moment  and  then  his  face  cleared. 

"  So  the  beggar  got  away,"  he  said  with  a 
laugh,  greatly  to  the  surprise  and  relief  of  O'Brien. 
"  As  I  gave  him  his  life  when  I  dismissed  him, 
the  escape  is  not  of  much  consequence;  we  are 
but  a  prisoner  the  less.  But  I  own  my  curiosity 
is  aroused  as  to  the  manner  of  his  evading  us. 
With  your  permission,  Colonel  Moncriffe,  I  '11  in 
spect  the  room  where  he  was  confined." 

"  With  all  my  heart.  I  '11  accompany  you,  for 
't  is  as  much  a  mystery  to  me  as  to  you." 

O'Brien  held  open  the  door  of  the  passage 
and  they  walked  quickly  down  it.  The  storeroom 
stood  open.  McGinnis,  gun  in  hand,  leaned 
against  the  wall  beside  it,  and  back  of  him,  hud 
dled  in  a  frightened  group,  stood  Jupiter,  Venus, 
and  half  a  dozen  other  house-servants,  all  agog 
with  surprise  and  terror. 

Tarleton  crossed  the  threshold,  and  taking  the 
candle  offered  him  by  O'Brien,  ran  his  keen  eyes 
about  the  narrow  room.  But  although  he  peered 
at  each  shelf,  and  felt  along  the  wall  on  lx>th  sides 
of  the  window,  he  could  discover  no  trace  of  any 


A  CLEVER  RUSE  123 

means  of  escape  (so  cleverly  was  the  secret  pas 
sage  concealed),  although  he  noticed  a  few  drops 
of  tallow  adhering  to  the  lower  shelf.  But  that 
might  have  fallen  from  the  cup  which  held  the 
candle  if  it  had  been  carelessly  moved.  He  then 
stamped  upon  the  floor  several  times ;  but  as  it  gave 
forth  no  sound,  he  abandoned  the  idea,  with  a 
shrug  of  his  shoulders. 

"  It  seems  a  case  where  outside  help  was  abso 
lutely  necessary,"  he  said,  addressing  his  host, 
"  unless  Captain  Telfair  has  sworn  a  compact  with 
the  devil  and  been  released  by  a  thunderbolt." 

"  Telfair  !  "  interrupted  Colonel  Moncriffe,  "  I 
do  not  comprehend  you.  I  heard  you  had  been 
so  fortunate  as  to  capture  the  leader  of  the  band, 
but  I  did  not  hear  his  name  or  personality.  Do  I 
understand  you  to  say  it  was  Telfair  ?  Not  Roy 
Telfair !  " 

"  Ay,  sir,  so  he  proclaimed  himself.  A  son,  I 
think,  of  some  neighbor  of  yours."  Tarleton 
checked  his  speech  suddenly.  He  did  not  choose 
to  inform  her  father  of  his  interview  with  Geral- 
dine,  or  the  fact  of  her  plea  for  the  condemned 
captain. 

"  By  heavens !  there  must  be  some  collusion 
with  my  household,"  cried  Moncriffe  furiously. 
"  If  I  detect  my  slaves  at  such  tricks  it  will  fare 
ill  with  them.  Jupiter ! "  The  old  servant  came 
forward.  "  How 's  this  ?  Who  is  accountable  for 
this  outrage  ?  " 

"  Dun   know,    no    mo'    'an  de    daid,    marse," 


124  A  PRETTY  TORY 

answered  Jupiter,  the  picture  of  injured  innocence, 
and  being,  moreover,  perfectly  convinced  that  some 
supernatural  agency  had  been  at  work,  and  that  the 
hand  of  the  Lord  was  assisting  the  Whigs,  which 
was  proof  conclusive  that  they  were  His  chosen 
people,  "  'cept  it 's  de  witches,  or  de  han'  o'  Provi 
dence." 

Colonel  Moncriffe  hit  him  squarely  with  a  cane 
he  carried.  "  None  of  your  absurd  nigger  super 
stitions  ;  go  question  every  one  on  the  plantation, 
whether  man,  woman,  or  child  were  seen  about  out 
side  the  mansion  after  the  troopers  left,  and  report 
to  me." 

As  he  spoke,  the  blacks,  who  had  been  slowly 
sidling  off  down  the  passage,  disappeared,  and 
there  came  the  sound  of  rapid  hoofs  nearing  the 
door. 

"  Shall  we  see  who  comes  ?  "  he  said,  addressing 
the  two  officers,  and  they  retraced  their  steps  in 
time  to  see  Burt  fling  himself  from  the  saddle  at 
the  portico. 

"  I  delivered  the  letter  to  Colonel  Prevost,  sir," 
he  said  to  Tarleton.  "  There  was  no  reply,  but 
the  colonel's  wishes  should  be  followed  in  every 
respect,  and  they  would  be  ready  for  the  prisoner." 

"  The  prisoner,"  said  Tarleton,  laughing,  but 
with  a  sneer  that  sounded  ominous  in  Hurt's  ears, 
"  the  prisoner  has  taken  what  we  may  call  '  French 
leave.' " 

"  Shot  himself?  "  gasped  the  trooper. 

"  No,  escaped ;  though  how,  or  by  what  agency 


A  CLEVER   RUSE  125 

of  this  world  or  the  next,  opinion  seems  to  be 
divided." 

Burt  recovered  himself  as  he  drew  up  in  salute, 
and  it  was  well  that  he  did,  for  the  sudden 
flush  which  covered  his  face  caused  Tarleton  to  be 
stow  a  glance  of  surprise  upon  his  orderly  which 
put  Burt  on  his  guard  instantly. 

"You're  not  suspecting  O'Brien,  sir?"  he 
asked,  with  warmth.  "  You  might  as  well  suspect 
me,  —  and  a  damned  sight  better,"  he  added  to 
himself. 

"  No,  no,"  said  Tarleton,  disarmed  at  once,  for 
by  a  singular  chance  he  felt  a  certain  attachment 
to  his  quick-witted  recruit.  "  Go  to  quarters, 
Burt,  and  after  breakfast  report  to  me.  We  will 
try  other  means  to  penetrate  this  mystery." 

While  this  scene  was  transpiring  below,  the 
occupants  of  the  several  guest  chambers  were 
waking,  dressing,  and  chatting  with  the  respective 
maids  detailed  to  assist  them  in  making  ready  for 
breakfast.  Lady  Dolly,  after  her  cup  of  coffee, 
which  she  had  besought  almost  before  opening  her 
eyes,  fell  to  lamenting  her  box  of  cosmetics  which 
she  had  carelessly  left  behind  in  the  city,  and  was 
only  consoled  by  finding  in  response  to  a  message 
that  Anne  Durbeville  could  supply  the  want,  hav 
ing  just  received  a  consignment  from  Paris  by  the 
last  ship  which  came  out  to  Savannah.  But  not 
withstanding  all  the  noise  and  chatter  which  pene 
trated  the  gallery,  and  even  reached  her  chamber, 
Geraldine  slept  on,  having  just  at  dawn  yielded  to 


126  A  PRETTY  TORY 

exhaustion  and  sunk  into  such  deep  slumber  that 
Margot  went  twice  to  her  bedside  and  forbore  to 
wake  her. 

Margot  had  returned  for  the  third  time,  and  was 
about  to  draw  the  curtain,  when  with  a  sigh  the 
girl  turned  on  her  pillow  and  awoke. 

"  Is  it  morning,  Margot  ?  oh,  why  did  you  suf 
fer  me  to  rest  so  long  ?  Judging  by  the  sun  on 
my  window  the  day  must  be  advanced,  and  I  must 
bestir  myself  to  attend  my  guests." 

"  No  such  haste,"  said  Margot,  pouring  water 
from  the  ewer  and  making  ready  for  Geraldine's 
toilet ;  "  the  other  leddies  are  still  in  their  bed 
chambers,  and  the  colonel  has  eno'  on  his  hands 
for  the  present  in  cross-examining  every  black  on 
the  plantation  ;  hech,  I  'm  thinking  he  '11  even  gang 
down  to  the  rice-fields  in  his  hunt." 

"  What  has  happened  now  ? "  asked  her  mis 
tress  in  a  trembling  voice,  as  she  thrust  her  bare 
feet  into  delicate  fur-lined  slippers  ;  "  surely  one 
such  unhappy  night  is  enough  for  this  household." 
\  "  Weel,  I  'm  thinking  a  knowledge  o'  events  will 
na  worry  ye,"  returned  Margot,  with  a  twinkle  of 
her  eye.  "  It  seents  that  when  yon  redcoat 
troopers  went  to  open  the  door  o'  the  storeroom 
whaur  the  puir  young  prisoner  was  confined,  in 
order  to  take  him  intil  the  city,  he  wasna  there  ; 
by  some  strange  interposition  he  had  clean  dis 
appeared." 

"  Gone  —  escaped  ?  for  Heaven's  sake,  how  ?  " 

"Hoo'    can    I   tell   ye,  my  leddy;  when   your 


A  CLEVER  RUSE  127 

father,  the  colonel,  speers  an'  speers,  and  ca's  all 
the  blacks  to  witness,  an'  not  a  trace  to  be  found 
o'  Maister  Roy's  flittiii'  —  wad  ye  suppose  auld 
Margot  could  be  wiser  than  her  betters  ?  " 

"  Margot !  "  Geraldine  caught  the  Scotchwoman 
by  both  arms  and  her  blue  eyes  beamed  with  sud 
den  laughter.  "  Margot,  look  me  in  the  face  ;  do 
you  mean  to  tell  me  that  you  had  no  hand  in  the 
matter  ?  " 

"  I  canna  say  wi'  positiveness  na,  an'  I  wadna 
be  willing  to  proclaim  yes.  Is  it  not  sound  Bible 
doctrine  as  expounded  in  the  Kirk  that  ye  maunna 
let  your  right  hand  know  what  your  left  hand 
doeth  ?  " 

"  You  dear  darling  old  casuist !  "  Geraldine 
gave  way  to  her  laughter,  —  laughter  brighter  and 
more  girlish  than  any  that  had  passed  her  lips  for 
many  a  day.  "  You  mean  that  if  I  ask  you  no 
questions  you  '11  tell  me  no  lies ;  is  that  about  the 
state  of  your  canny  Scotch  mind  ?  " 

"  Just  aboot,"  said  Margot,  the  twinkle  broad 
ening  into  a  smile,  "  an'  if  ye  wad  see  to  it  that 
Colonel  Moncriffe  will  na  pit  me  in  the  witness- 
box,  it  wad  be  greatly  to  the  relief  o'  ma  con 
science." 

"  Margot,  Margot,  no  Jesuit  ever  evaded  ques 
tions  more  cleverly.  Be  sure  I  am  dying  of  curi 
osity,  but  I  know  you  well ;  when  you  close  your 
mouth  in  that  fashion  I  —  wait  till  to-morrow," 
and  Geraldine's  light-hearted  laughter  rang  out 
again.  Then  soberly,  but  with  dancing  eyes, 


128  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  Good  Margot,  to  bring  me  tidings  that  my  old 
playfellow  has  escaped  a  British  prison.  It  grieved 
me  sorely  to  think  of  dear  Madam  Telfuir  and 
Rose's  misery,  and  though  Colonel  Tarleton  gave 
me  the  reprieve  most  graciously,  1  am  more  re 
joiced,  perhaps,  than  a  loyal  subject  of  His  Majesty 
should  be  to  feel  that  it  is  not  under  our  roof  that 
a  rebel  meets  with  his  deserts." 

Margot  had  it  on  her  tongue's  end  to  remark 
that  possibly  she  did  not  enjoy  a  monopoly  of  Jesu 
itism,  but  she  only  said  — 

"  Ah,  my  leddy,  it  always  warms  the  heart  to 
think  we  've  done  a  guid  action,  an'  yours  last 
night  will  perhaps  bring  ye  mony  a  happy  hour 
that  now  is  hid  frae  your  e'." 

A  beautiful  bright  blush  dyed  Geraldine's  fair 
cheek,  and  she  moved  away  lest  the  kindly,  shrewd 
eyes  should  read  more  than  she  was  ready  to  ac 
knowledge  even  to  herself.  But  whatever  the 
reason  of  her  strange  feeling  of  happiness,  she  in 
stinctively  resumed  her  usual  calm  demeanor  as 
she  finished  her  toilet  and  went  down  to  meet  her 
guests  in  the  dining-room. 

The  breakfast  could  hardly  be  called  a  gay  one, 
for  the  wives  and  sisters  of  the  American  Tories 
who  had  been  spirited  away  by  Marion's  men 
were  naturally  in  great  agitation  still  over  the 
ultimate  fate  of  the  prisoners ;  and  ransom,  ex 
change,  and  the  thousand  and  one  chances  of  war 
were  the  sole  topics  of  conversation,  while  Colonel 
Moncriffe  endeavored  to  encourage  the  ladies  by 


A  CLEVER  RUSE  129 

taking  a  more  cheerful  view  of  the  situation  than 
he  really  felt.  War,  grim  war,  was  coming  home 
to  the  Tories  as  it  had  been  so  long  a  cause  of  tor 
ment  to  the  Whigs,  and  in  more  than  one  fair 
breast  there  may  have  been  an  unspoken  wish  that 
they  had  been  more  kind  —  less  cruel  —  to  their 
former  neighbors  when  exulting  in  the  result  of 
the  siege. 

Later,  when  the  sun  had  dried  the  dew,  the 
party  trooped  out  on  the  avenue  which  formed 
an  approach  to  the  mansion,  and  Tarleton  found 
himself,  as  he  had  been  manoeuvring  to  do,  near 
Geraldine,  with  the  others  beyond  earshot.  Roy's 
escape  had  been  discussed  at  the  breakfast-table, 
and  with  infinite  tact  Geraldine  had  displayed  but 
passing  interest  hi  the  event,  with  the  result  that, 
subtle  as  he  was,  Tarleton  remained  in  doubt 
whether  the  news  was  a  relief  to  her  heart  or 
merely  a  matter  of  no  moment,  since  she  had  ob 
tained  his  life  at  her  request.  He  felt  his  passion 
for  the  lovely  American  gaining  strength  every 
moment,  and  he  had  little  doubt  that  if  he  put  forth 
his  full  power  of  fascination  he  could  win  this 
beauty,  who  tantalized  him  by  her  coldness  while 
she  drew  him  on  by  her  gracious  air  of  gratitude. 
She  was  a  problem  to  be  solved,  and  what  man  of 
Tarleton's  temperament  could  withstand  the  desire 
to  read  the  solution? 

"  Madam,"  he  said,  and  never  was  voice  more 
caressing  and  seductive  than  his  when  it  pleased 
him  to  make  it  so,  "  I  trust  you  will  permit  me  to 


130  A  PRETTY  TORY 

tell  you  of  the  unbounded  admiration  which  fills 
my  breast  when  I  reflect  upon  your  attitude  of 
last  night.  What  a  position,  and  how  exquisitely 
you  filled  it !  Your  kindly  feeling  toward  that 
misguided  young  man,  your  confidence  and  trust 
in  my  honor  which  enabled  you  to  ask  his  life,  his 
monstrous  arrogance  and  insolence,  and  finally  the 
unspeakable  grace  with  which  you  permitted  me 
to  render  you  a  service.  No  words  can  convey  to 
you  my  delight  at  this  sudden  and  unexpected  op 
portunity  to  read  your  heart ;  that  maiden  heart, 
which  has  thus  become  the  object  of  adoration  to 
Banastre  Tarleton,  who  here  begs  you  to  permit 
him  to  continue  his  suit  for  your  hand,  and  to  be 
now  and  always  the  humblest  of  your  slaves." 

"  Sir,"  said  Geraldine  simply,  but  with  much 
dignity,  "  you  do  me  great  honor  by  this  some 
what  sudden  avowal.  I  cannot  deny  that  I  have 
been  for  some  months  aware  of  your  suit,  which 
has  the  sanction  of  my  father  and  of  yours,  but  I 
am  hardly  prepared  for  such  passion  on  your  part. 
What  do  you  know  of  me,  —  the  real  Geraldine 
Moncriffe,  —  and  how  can  I  believe  in  the  sincerity 
of  an  affection  which  is  the  growth  of  a  single 
night  ?  " 

"  But  what  a  night !  so  pregnant  with  varied 
emotions.  Nay,  any  one  of  them  would  be  suffi 
cient  to  fill  me  with  enthusiasm.  Why  deny  my 
sincere  homage  to  them  all  ?  " 

"  Perhaps,  sir,  I  desire  time  to  be  wooed  before 
I  am  won." 


NOW  AND  ALWAYS  THE  HUMBLEST  OF  YOUR  SLAVES' 


A  CLEVER  RUSE  131 

"  By  heavens  you  shall  have  it,  empress  of 
Tarleton's  heart,"  he  cried,  actually  carried  out 
of  himself  by  the  delicious  touch  of  archness  in 
her  tone ;  "  give  me  but  opportunity  (and  there 
is  none  like  the  present)  to  prove  to  you  that  my 
impetuosity  is  tempered  by  my  discretion." 

"  And  your  boldness  by  timidity ;  at  this  pace, 
sir,  you  bid  fair  to  defeat  the  boon  I  asked." 

Tarleton  bit  his  lip  with  a  smothered  exclama 
tion.  Could  it  be  possible  that  this  lovely,  tanta 
lizing  American  was  laughing  at  him?  For  his 
life  he  could  not  tell.  The  situation  was  a  novel 
one,  and,  to  a  man  accustomed  to  easy  conquests, 
of  unprecedented  interest.  Before  he  had  time  to 
reply  to  this  last  sally,  Halleck,  who  had  approached 
them  unperceived,  stood  bowing  at  Geraldine's 
elbow. 

"  Lady  Dolly's  horses  wait,  and  she  bids  me  tell 
you  she  desires  to  make  her  farewell." 

"  Truly,"  responded  Geraldine,  "  Colonel  Tarle 
ton  will  excuse  me  while  I  attend  my  guest,"  and 
with  a  graceful  courtesy  she  left  them  to  return  to 
the  house. 

"  How  progresses  your  suit  ? "  whispered  Hal 
leck,  as  they  watched  the  charming  figure  flit 
across  the  grass. 

"  'T  is  hard  to  say."  Tarleton's  tone  was  a  mix 
ture  of  satisfaction  and  chagrin.  "  She  has  greater 
wit  and  more  beauty  than  I  ever  imagined,  but 
'  Chateau  qui  parle  '  -  -  you  know  the  rest." 


CHAPTER  XI 

THE  MOTH  RETURNS  TO  THE  CANDLE 

ALLASTAR  MURRAY  had  concluded  his  evening 
task  of  looking  over  the  last  English  mail,  and 
after  arranging  the  governor's  letters  and  papers 
ready  to  his  hand  whenever  it  might  please  His 
Excellency  to  peruse  them,  he  made  ready  to  start 
for  a  walk,  during  which  he  could  reflect  how  soon 
he  might  discreetly  visit  Dumblane  again.  For 
Murray  had  now  reached  the  stage  of  making 
haste  slowly,  as  the  Latin  saying  has  it,  and  so 
far  had  found  it  profitable,  although  it  must  be 
confessed  that  he  did  not  enjoy  it. 

He  had  not  proceeded  very  far  down  the  street 
which  led  to  the  Thunderbolt  road  (so  called  be 
cause  it  extended  to  the  little  settlement  which 
Governor  Oglethorpe  had  named  thus,  because  as 
he  quaintly  remarked,  "  after  the  fall  of  a  thunder 
bolt  a  spring  then  uprose,  which  still  smells  of  the 
bolt,"  and  whose  sulphur  waters  were  of  some 
repute  among  the  early  settlers),  when  he  saw, 
slowly  approaching  him,  a  lady  mounted  on  a  fine 
horse  which  he  recognized  as  one  belonging  to  Colo 
nel  Prevost,  and  following  her  a  black  servant, 


THE  MOTH  RETURNS  TO  THE  CANDLE  133 

also  mounted.  As  he  came  nearer,  Lady  Dolly 
drew  up  her  horse  and  greeted  him. 

"  A  good-day  to  you,  sir ;  have  you  heard  the 
news  ?  " 

"  What  news  ?  "  asked  Murray,  not  being  minded 
to  relate  Cupid's  story,  but  wondering  if  this 
could  be  what  the  dame  referred  to.  "  I  am  out 
in  search  of  something  to  amuse  me,  having  had  a 
most  tiresome  evening  poring  over  official  papers 
and  letters." 

"  Then  you  do  not  know  of  my  capture  and  res 
cue?"  said  Lady  Dolly,  enjoying  the  novelty  of 
the  situation,  now  that  the  fright  was  over ;  "  or 
how  a  band  of  outlaws  attacked  Colonel  Mon- 
criffe's  plantation  and  secured  all  his  guests  by 
binding  them  to  chairs  and  otherwise,  and  were 
about  to  execute  their  savage  purposes  (Heaven 
save  me !  I  had  already  offered  them  every  jewel 
I  possessed,  fearing  some  sinister  ending),  when  a 
brave  band  of  troopers  rode  down  from  the  fort 
just  in  the  nick  of  time,  and  put  the  invaders  to 
flight,  and  speadily  rescued  us.  My  word,  but 
Colonel  Tarleton  was  in  a  pretty  rage ;  he  had  a 
hand-to-hand  tussle  with  the  leader  himself." 

"  And  pray  who  were  this  party  ?  "  asked  Mur 
ray,  as  she  paused  for  breath  ;  "  and  whence  did 
they  come  ?  " 

"  They  called  themselves  Rangers,  or  Marion's 
men." 

"  I  thought  as  much  ;  the  Swamp  Fox  is,  as  a 
rule,  too  wary  to  be  caught,  but  in  this  instance 


134  A  PRETTY  TORY 

our  men  must  have  taken  some  of  them  prisoners, 
did  they  not  ?  " 

"  None  but  the  leader,  for,  alas,  the  Rangers 
made  good  their  escape  with  some  eight  or  more  of 
our  friends  set  on  the  saddles  before  them.  And 
do  you  know,  the  leader  was  such  a  fine  handsome, 
personable  fellow,  that,  between  ourselves,  I  am 
only  half  sorry  that  he  also  contrived  to  escape, 
though  I  left  Colonel  Moncriffe  in  a  towering  rage 
because  he  could  not  trace  the  manner  of  it." 

"  The  manner  of  it  ?  was  there  any  blood  shed 
in  the  matter  ?  " 

"  No,  for  which  Heaven  be  thanked.  You  see 
Tarleton  was  greatly  elated  by  the  capture  of 
—  what  was  it  they  called  him  ?  oh,  Telfair,  — 
Captain  Telfair,  yes,  that  is  it ;  and  he  had  the 
prisoner  safely  bestowed  in  a  strongly  barred  room, 
whence  there  is  no  exit  except  by  the  passage  where 
the  guards  were  placed ;  and,  lo,  this  morning  my 
gentle  outlaw  is  found  missing,  and  there  are  strong 
suspicions  that,  having  sold  himself  to  the  devil 
for  the  sake  of  his  freedom,  he  disappeared  through 
the  keyhole  with  a  witch  on  a  broomstick." 

"  Lady  Dolly,  you  are  incorrigibly  fond  of  a 
jest,"  said  Murray,  unable  to  help  laughing,  as  the 
merry  dame  pursued  her  tale  with  evident  relish, 
and  an  air  of  mock  mystery.  "  What  do  you 
mean  me  to  conclude  ?  " 

"  What  you  please,  sir  ;  half  the  whites  and  all 
the  blacks  on  the  plantation  will  vow  he  escaped 
by  supernatural  agency." 


THE  MOTH  RETURNS  TO  THE  CANDLE  135 

"  'T  is  much  more  probable  by  the  assistance  of 
some  of  the  blacks  aforesaid  ;  many  of  them  are 
secretly  on  the  side  of  the  Whigs,  and  I  confess 
myself  skeptical  as  to  the  broomstick." 

"  That  appears  to  me  the  most  delightful  stroke 
of  all.  But,  stay,  who  comes  yonder  ?  Is  it  —  can 
it  be  Selwyn  ?  Now  we  shall  hear  the  postscrip- 
tum  of  my  story,"  and  Lady  Dolly  trotted  up  the 
street,  as  the  horseman  was  evidently  going  toward 
the  fort.  With  brisk  footsteps  Murray  followed 
her,  and  found  that  it  was  indeed  Ensign  Selwyn, 
looking  somewhat  soiled  and  travel-worn,  but  other 
wise  quite  unhurt,  and  none  the  worse  for  his  tem 
porary  imprisonment. 

"  What  is  that  you  tell  me,  Lady  Dolly  ? "  he 
said,  as  Murray  came  within  hearing.  "  Do  I  un 
derstand  that  Captain  Telfair  has  indeed  made 
his  escape  from  Glenmoira  ?  " 

"  Certainly,  the  manner  of  his  going  is  bewilder 
ing  in  its  possibilities  of  the  supernatural,  but  the 
fact  remains  that  the  gentleman  is  probably  DOW 
journeying  whence  he  came." 

"  I  can  find  it  in  my  heart  to  be  devoutly  thank 
ful,"  said  Selwyn,  and  then  explained  how  he  had 
been  compelled  to  give  his  parole  until  due  ex 
change  could  be  made  of  prisoners,  and  that  Colo 
nel  Marion  was  holding  Sir  Charles  Adderly  as 
hostage  for  the  safety  of  his  young  officer.  "  I 
can  tell  you  I  did  not  spare  my  nag,"  he  contin 
ued,  looking  down  at  his  wet  and  tired  animal, 
"  for  I  am  aware  of  Tarleton's  reputation  for  the 


136  A  PRETTY  TORY 

speedy  stamping  out  of  treason,  and  my  mind 
misgave  me  sorely,  as  I  counted  poor  Sir  Charles' 
chances  but  small  under  the  circumstances." 

"  And  you  were  actually  in  the  camp  of  those 
daring  outlaws  ? "  demanded  Lady  Dolly,  still 
eager  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge  as  regarded 
every  event  in  this  strange  and  novel  land  and  its 
inhabitants.  "  How  did  you  fancy  a  close  view  of 
this  terror  of  the  province,  this  Marion  ?  Is  he  a 
ruffian  and  of  bloodthirsty  propensities  ?  " 

Selwyn  laughed.  "  Faith,  it  would  add  zest  to 
the  tale  could  I  thus  depict  him.  No,  Lady  Dolly, 
he  is  small  and  alert,  with  an  air  of  great  com 
posure  and  command,  and  while  he  issued  his 
orders  to  me  it  was  with  that  courtly  air  which  en 
forces  respect.  Indeed,  it  was  only  when  address 
ing  the  American  Tories  that  he  spoke  in  anger, 
and  I  do  assure  you  that  I  would  hardly  care  to 
rest  under  the  sting  of  such  rebuke  as  he  adminis 
tered  to  them.  But  I  must  on  to  the  fort  and 
make  my  report  to  Colonel  Prevost.  May  I  have 
the  honor  to  escort  you,  Lady  Dolly?  Do  not 
forget,  Murray,  that  you  are  supping  with  me  this 
evening,  and  thank  Marion,  rebel  though  he  be, 
that  I  am  thus  able  to  keep  my  appointment." 
But  as  he  raised  his  hat  in  farewell  to  Lady  Dolly, 
who  thus  pursued  her  way  to  the  city,  Murray  also 
turned  about  and  retraced  his  steps,  wondering  as 
he  went  whether  it  would  be  wise  and  prudent 
to  advise  the  family  at  Dumblane  of  Roy  Telfair's 
escape. 


THE  MOTH  RETURNS  TO  THE  CANDLE  137 

"  No,"  he  said  to  himself,  "  they  will  be  likely 
to  hear  of  it  if  from  no  other  source  than  the 
blacks.  How  rejoiced  Rose  will  be,  and  how  full 
of  quips  and  jests  on  the  mystery  !  I  '11  warrant 
she  rings  the  changes  on  British  stupidity  and 
Tory  dullness,  and  I  will  not  be  able  to  catch  her 
tripping  or  even  making  an  admission  as  to  the 
manner  of  his  midnight  flitting."  From  which 
reflections  it  will  be  seen  that  Murray  was  begin 
ning  to  appreciate  the  ready  wit  and  quick  resource 
of  his  American  sweetheart  in  a  fashion  which 
would  have  caused  her  the  keenest  enjoyment. 

Just  before  sunset,  as  Murray  started  forth  for 
his  evening  walk,  in  the  forest  that  skirted  Mus- 
grove  Swamp  and  not  far  from  the  direct  road  to 
Savannah,  there  drew  up  a  covered  cart,  from 
which  descended  the  short,  squat  figure  of  a  man. 
He  threw  the  reins  on  his  horse's  back,  and  after 
ransacking  for  a  moment  in  the  back  part  of  the 
vehicle,  produced  a  bag  from  whence  he  took  a 
wooden  measure  of  corn,  and  after  setting  it  down 
on  the  ground  by  the  horse,  he  returned  to  the 
cart. 

"  Wake  up,  Franz,"  he  said,  speaking  in  Ger 
man,  in  a  somewhat  slow,  but  pleasant  voice. 
"  You  must  be  rested  by  now,  and  it  is  best  for  us 
to  take  supper  here,  as  I  do  not  wish  to  reach  the 
city  too  early." 

"  Yes,  father,"  said  Franz  Hartzel,  giving  him 
self  a  shake,  and  rubbing  his  eyes  as  he  jumped 
over  the  wheel  to  the  ground;  "shall  we  light  a 


138  A  PRETTY  TORY 

fire  and  make  some  coffee?  Here  are  sticks  in 
plenty,  and  dry  ones,  too." 

"  No,  Franz.  Did  not  thy  mother  bestow  some 
home-brewed  beer  with  the  meat  and  bread?  Ah, 
I  thought  so  ;  beer  is  better  than  even  the  hot 
coffee  for  us  Saltzburgers." 

The  boy  and  his  father  sat  down  on  the  grass 
beside  the  cart,  after  carefully  surveying  the  spot 
lest  it  should  be  an  abiding  place  for  snakes,  and 
were  enjoying  their  supper  with  the  spice  of 
healthy  appetities,  when  they  became  aware  of  a 
slight  rustle  in  the  undergrowth  not  far  from 
them. 

"  Hist,"  said  Hans  Hartzel,  "  some  one  comes 
yonder ;  if  it  be  those  redcoat  soldiers  remember 
we  are  bringing  the  farm  produce  to  the  city  for 
sale." 

"  I  will  not  forget,  father,"  answered  the  boy, 
quietly  munching  his  bit  of  corn  bread,  with  an 
air  of  unconcern.  There  was  a  moment's  pause 
as  both  listened  intently  without  appearing  to  do 
so,  and  then  the  figure  of  a  man  broke  through 
the  thicket  and  came  toward  them. 

"  Which  way,  friend  ?  "  asked  Hans,  rising  and 
speaking  in  fairly  good  English.  "  Will  you  have 
a  bite  of  bread  and  a  bottle  of  mine  own  home 
brewed  beer  ?  " 

"  Thank  you  for  your  hospitality,"  answered  the 
new-comer.  "  I  accept  it  heartily,  for  I  forgot  to 
take  my  breakfast,  and  having  gone  fasting  all 
day  find  traveling  on  foot  is  hungry  business." 


THE  MOTH  RETURNS  TO  THE  CANDLE  139 

Franz  sprang  up  to  find  a  fresh  supply  of  food 
from  the  cart,  and  as  he  did  so,  Hans  said  in  a  low 
voice,  with  a  good-humored  smile :  "  Any  and  all 
of  the  Swamp  Fox's  men  are  welcome  to  share 
what  I  have,  and  if  Captain  Telfair  does  not 
remember  me  I  have  not  forgotten  him,  nor  the 
kindness  he  once  did  my  hausfrau." 

Roy  started  as  the  German  laid  his  hand  on 
his  sleeve,  and  surveyed  him  closely.  "  I  confess 
you  had  me  at  advantage.  'T  is  Hans  Hartzel, 
from  Ebenezer.  I  do  remember  the  night  I  lay 
hid  at  your  house,  and  helped  the  frau  watch  the 
sick  boy ;  and  if  my  small  knowledge  of  medical 
treatment  was  of  service  you  are  most  welcome  to 
it.  Is  this  the  lad  ?  " 

"  Yes,  and  a  hearty,  well-grown  fellow  for  his 
years.  How  can  I  serve  you,  beside  begging  you 
to  share  our  simple  meal?  " 

"  What  brings  you  here  ?  "  asked  Roy,  to  whom 
the  beer  tasted  more  delicious  than  any  wine  he 
had  ever  drunk.  "  Are  you  carrying  garden  stuff 
to  the  city  ?  " 

"  Aye,  the  governor,  yonder,  deals  with  my  frau, 
and  thinks  her  eggs  and  chickens  of  the  best. 
But,"  Hans  looked  cautiously  over  his  shoulder, 
"wait;  I'll  send  the  boy  out  of  earshot. 
Franz,  go  carefully  to  the  road  and  watch  there, 
lest  any  one  surprise  us." 

Franz  nodded,  and  ran  rapidly  away  as  his 
father  turned  back  to  continue  his  conversation. 
"Do  you  come  from  the  Herr  Colonel  to-day?  " 
he  asked. 


140  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  I  have  but  just  escaped  imprisonment  by  the 
British,  and  am  on  my  way  back  to  camp.  Colonel 
Marion  was  to  be  in  this  vicinity  for  some  days 
longer,  before  returning  to  South  Carolina.  My 
men  made  a  capture  of  some  importance,  and  but 
for  bad  fortune  I  should  have  been  with  them  and 
carried  back  the  prisoners." 

"  Then  that  was  the  party  I  met  this  morning, 
south  of  Ebeuezer.  I  am  engaged  at  present  on 
a  mission  for  the  Herr  Colonel." 

"  Indeed  ;  may  I  ask  what,  if  it  be  not  secret  ?  " 

"  Listen  ;  I  would  be  glad  of  your  counsel.  Do 
you  know  one  of  the  patriots  in  Savannah,  named 
McAlpine?" 

"  Oh,  aye ;  the  hero  of  many  hair-breadth  es 
capades.  What  of  him  ?  " 

"  I  have  a  letter  for  him  which  must  reach  him 
without  fail  before  to-morrow  night,  and  I  think, 
from  what  I  gathered  of  the  talk  in  camp,  that 
there  is  a  plan  on  foot  which  concerns  surprising 
the  fort."  As  he  spoke  there  was  a  sudden  rush 
ing,  crackling  noise  overhead,  and  Roy  sprang  to 
his  feet  just  in  time,  for  a  great  branch,  which  must 
long  before  have  rotted  and  decayed,  fell  crashing 
to  the  ground.  Poor  Hans  was  not  so  lucky,  for 
being  older  and  stouter,  he  was  in  the  act  of  rising 
when  the  branch  struck  him,  and  throwing  him 
down,  rendered  him  blind  and  senseless.  Franz, 
hearing  the  noise,  came  running  back,  pale  with 
terror. 

"  Quick,  lad,  help  me  to  raise  the  branch  off  his 


THE  MOTH  RETURNS  TO  THE  CANDLE  141 

arm  ;  there,  turn  him  on  his  side  and  let  me  examine 
his  injury,"  and  Roy  knelt  down  and  after  a  few 
anxious  moments  succeeded  in  restoring  Hans  to 
consciousness.  No  bones  seemed  broken,  but  the 
shock  had  been  great,  and  every  time  he  attempted 
to  move  he  turned  so  ill  and  faint  that  finally  he 
lay  back  on  the  ground  and  declared  his  inability 
to  proceed  further.  Franz  stood  gazing  at  his 
father  with  great  dismay,  and  Roy  suggested 
placing  the  injured  man  in  the  cart  and  taking  him 
back  to  Ebenezer. 

"  Nay,  nay ;  that  will  never  do,"  said  Hans, 
comprehending  their  intention  ;  "  what  will  become 
of  my  mission?" 

"  I  '11  do  your  errand,"  said  Telfair  quietly. 

"  But  it  would  not  be  safe  for  you  to  reenter 
Savannah,"  interrupted  Hans. 

"  Did  you  not  say  the  message  was  urgent  ? 
Why  consider  my  safety  ?  " 

"  Aye ;  then  listen  ;  I  have  a  plan.  Leave  me 
here,  safely  bestowed  under  yonder  group  of  trees 
whose  branches  seem  safe  enough,  and  do  you  put 
on  my  gray  blouse  which  is  within  the  cart,  and 
take  Franz  with  you,  for  they  know  the  lad  in  the 
city,  and  drive  to  the  governor's  mansion,  deliver 
the  eggs  and  vegetables,  and  then  contrive  to  exe 
cute  the  other  errand.  You  can  safely  pass  for  a 
neighbor  of  mine,  Gottlieb  Reiter,  who  is  about 
your  height  and  build  and  has  darker  hair  than 
most  of  us ;  and  if  you  could  manage  a  few  words 
of  German"  — 


142  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  I  can  readily  do  that,"  interposed  Telfair,  in 
that  language. 

"  So ! "  ejaculated  Hans,  in  pleased  surprise, 
"  then  you  are  safe  enough  if  you  keep  your  face 
well  concealed,  or  will  use  a  little  juice  of  the  mul 
berry  to  darken  your  skin." 

"But  I  hardly  like  to  leave  you  here,"  said 
Roy,  after  hearing  a  few  more  instructions  from 
Hans,  "  and  surely  I  can  take  the  cart  and  return 
without  Franz,  who  I  think  should  stop  with  you 
here." 

"  For  what?  a  few  bruises  and  a  sick  stomach? 
No,  take  the  lad ;  he  may  prove  more  useful  than 
you  think." 

"  But  stop,  Hans ;  it  strikes  me  that  I  can  arrange 
the  plan  better.  If  I  drive  now  to  the  governor's 
I  will  be  very  apt  to  encounter  just  those  whom  I 
wish  to  avoid,  for  at  this  hour  after  supper,  it  is 
the  custom  for  the  gentlemen  and  their  friends  to 
take  air  in  the  gardens,  and  while  you  might 
escape  critical  examination,  it  would  be  just  my 
fortune  to  experience  it.  I  know  the  usual  haunts 
of  McAlpine,  and  I  also  know  a  place  where  I  can 
put  up  the  cart  and  horse  for  the  night.  I  will  go 
there  first,  leaving  Franz  here  with  you.  He  can 
join  me  at  an  early  hour  in  the  morning,  near  the 
store  by  the  tall  chimney  which  still  stands  in  the 
burned  quarter.  If  I  am  not  there  by  seven 
o'clock,  then  proceed  to  Tondee's  tavern  at  the 
corner  of  Broughton  and  Whitaker  streets." 

"  Very  good ;  here,  find  the  letter,"  and  he  in- 


THE  MOTH  RETURNS  TO  THE  CANDLE  143 

dicated  where  it  was  concealed  on  his  person. 
"  Franz,  turn  the  horse ;  't  is  a  good  beast,  and 
can  travel  well,  even  better  under  the  saddle  than 
with  my  cart.  Now  stain  your  face  a  bit,  not 
forgetting  your  hands ;  I  fear  the  blouse  is  over 
wide  for  you." 

"  Not  so  wide,"  said  Telfair,  as  he  drew  it  to 
gether  across  his  broad  shoidders,  "but  a  trifle 
short;  however,  one  hardly  expects  elegance  of 
attire  when  arrayed  in  a  blouse  shirt.  Now  for  the 
mulberry  juice  ;  I  saw  plenty  of  them  on  the  other 
side  of  the  road,"  and  he  plunged  through  the 
thicket  in  that  direction.  When  he  returned  a 
short  time  after,  his  disguise  was  fairly  good,  and 
after  receiving  due  admonition  as  to  the  proper 
price  to  be  paid  for  the  contents  of  the  cart,  Roy 
finally  mounted  the  seat,  Franz  having  led  the 
horse  back  to  the  road,  and  waving  a  good-by,  he 
drove  away. 

The  sun  had  set,  and  the  shadows  were  length 
ening  as  the  covered  cart  made  its  way  into  the 
city.  The  driver  sat  slouching  forward  in  the  seat, 
and  the  horse  ambled  along  in  a  leisurely  fashion, 
which  by  no  means  suggested  the  speed  the  animal 
was  capable  of.  After  picking  the  way  carefully 
along,  Roy  turned  into  South  Broad  Street,  then 
almost  a  country  road,  with  a  few  scattered  houses 
all  on  the  north  side,  the  chiefest  of  these  being  a 
public  (as  the  inn  was  called),  owned  by  Eppin- 
ger,  at  the  northeast  corner  of  Jefferson  Street. 
Here  were  several  men,  lounging  and  drinking, 


144  A  PRETTY  TORY 

and  as  Roy  drew  his  cart  up  in  front  of  the  door, 
one  of  them  called  out :  - 

"  Here  comes  a  country  man  well  laden  ;  go,  boy, 
and  see  if  the  larder  needs  replenishing." 

A  black  fellow  of  about  eighteen  ran  out,  and 
Roy  accosted  him  in  broken  English  with  an 
occasional  German  word. 

"  Lodging  here  for  horse  and  man  ?  I  vonts 
feed  for  mine  guten  horse.  He  vas  come  thirty 
miles  since  sun-up." 

"  Yes,  marse,  plenty  place  under  shed  ;  I  '11 
fotch  him  'roun'." 

But  Roy  did  not  seem  willing  to  descend  from 
his  perch,  so  he  drove  around  to  the  back  of  the 
house,  following  the  black  boy,  who  ran  ahead, 
his  object  in  so  doing  being  to  inspect  the  in 
mates  of  the  room,  whose  windows  he  passed  as 
he  went.  But  the  face  he  was  looking  for  was 
not  there,  and  it  occurred  to  Roy  that  although  the 
cart  and  horse  might  find  shelter  here,  he  would 
himself  be  safer  elsewhere,  for  half  the  men 
lounging  inside  were  soldiers  from  the  fort,  and 
he  was  not  particularly  anxious  to  cultivate  their 
observation  after  his  so  recent  encounter  with  some 
of  their  comrades.  So  he  hesitated,  and  chaffered, 
and  bargained,  and  finally  pretending  that  he  had 
a  friend  to  see,  turned  the  cart  around,  and  again 
proceeded  on  his  way. 

It  was  now  quite  dark,  save  for  the  light  of  a 
young  moon  which  drifted  out  of  the  clouds  at 
intervals,  and  Roy  drove  along  the  streets,  which  in 


THE  MOTH  RETURNS  TO  THE  CANDLE  145 

good  colony  times  had  been  so  neatly  kept,  but 
which  now  bore  evidence,  in  many  places,  of  the 
siege.  He  passed  the  house  of  Colonel  McAlpine 
and  drew  the  rein,  then  slacked  it,  as  he  reflected 
that  Tondee's  Tavern,  on  Broughton  Street,  was 
much  more  likely  to  harbor  that  gentleman's  dare 
devil  relative,  Roderick,  who  was  as  famous  for 
his  cups  as  his  courage.  And  so  proceeding,  he 
drove  through  State  Street,  passing  St.  James 
Square,  where  the  stately  mansion  occupied  by 
Governor  Wright  stood,  almost  alone,  surrounded 
by  large,  and  for  that  period,  well-kept  garden  and 
grounds.  But  if  Roy  was  minded  to  pass  the 
gate,  not  so  his  steed,  for  suddenly,  without  any 
warning  of  his  intention,  that  animal  stopped  short, 
and  Roy,  who  happened  to  be  leaning  forward,  was 
shot  out  of  his  seat  and  over  the  shafts  to  the 
ground,  striking  his  head  as  he  went  against  the 
gatepost.  And  having  accomplished  as  much 
harm  as  possible,  the  horse  gave  forth  a  plaintive, 
long-drawn  whinny,  and  stood  still. 

Roy  was  not  stunned,  though  he  ought  to  have 
been,  by  the  shock,  but  he  lay  still,  seeing  stars  and 
feeling  giddy  for  several  minutes,  until  roused  by 
the  sound  of  an  imperious  voice  demanding  who  was 
blocking  the  way,  and  another  which  said  laugh 
ingly  >  - 

"Some  country  yokel  has  evidently  left  his 
horse  and  cart  standing  outside  while  he  makes 
love  to  the  maidservants ;  did  you  harm  yourself 
as  you  ran  against  the  wheel  ?  " 


146  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  Not  I ;  the  blow  has  merely  detached  ray  fob 
from  my  watch.  Stand  still  a  moment,  Murray,  I 
think  I  can  fasten  it,"  and  Halleck  steadied  him 
self  against  the  cart-wheel  as  he  spoke.  "  Selwyn's 
port  was  somewhat  heady ;  I  '11  take  some  coffee 
with  you,  and  then  to  bed,  as  I  slept  none  last 
night." 

Roy  lay  still ;  they  had  not  perceived  him,  as 
he  was  hidden  by  the  other  wheel  of  the  cart.  The 
horse,  having  done  his  worst,  seemed  disposed  to 
be  quiet,  and  bent  down  his  head,  munching  a 
stray  tuft  of  grass  which  had  sprung  up  outside 
the  gate. 

"  To  resume,"  said  Halleck,  going  back  to  what 
had  evidently  been  the  topic  of  their  conversation 
as  they  approached,  "  you  cannot  think  how  mon 
strous  amusing  the  whole  affair  is  to  me.  I  have 
seen  Tarleton  through  half  an  hundred  romantic 
and  mad  fancies,  but  nothing  has  ever  approached 
in  intensity  his  passion  for  the  fair  Moncriffe.  By 
gad,  sir,  his  face  when  she  flouted  him  this  morning 
was  a  study  that  even  a  friend  might  smile  over," 
and  his  laugh  rang  out  at  the  recollection.  "  Why, 
man,  Tarleton  the  irresistible,  Tarleton  the  indif 
ferent,  the  cynical,  was  left  standing  there  agape, 
while  she  walked  off  tranquilly.  And  I  never 
saw  him  so  nonplussed  in  my  life.  '•Chateau 
qui  parlej  he  said  to  me.  What  will  you  take 
as  to  the  chances,  Murray,  of  his  success?  " 

"  Nothing ;  she  may  be  dazzled  by  his  position 
or  even  bewitched  by  the  conquest  of  one  so  well- 


THE  MOTH  RETURNS  TO  THE  CANDLE  147 

known  as  a  breaker  of  hearts.  'T  is  hard  to  tell 
a  woman's  way." 

"  Ay ;  and  there  is,  I  am  told,  the  complication 
of  a  former  swain." 

"  Indeed !  "  said  Murray  in  a  tone  of  surprise. 
"  Do  you  speak  by  the  card  ?  " 

"  So  far  as  that  Mistress  Molly  Durbeville  con 
fided  to  me  that  there  had  been  rumors  of  love 
passages  between  our  lovely  hostess  and  a  Whig 
gentleman,  whose  name  she  would  not  divulge  —  I 
think  because  she  feared  I  might  tell  Tarleton 
and  bring  vengeance  on  some  rebel's  head  (for 
Mistress  Molly  has  leanings  that  way,  I  fancy). 
Tarleton  has  sworn  to  win  the  fair  Geraldine,  and 
he  would  move  even  hell  itself,  were  that  pos 
sible,  to  gain  the  object  of  a  passion  which,  though 
it  may  be  short-lived,  has  the  elements  of  a  whirl 
wind  while  it  abides.  I  love  him  much,  as  man  to 
man,  but  with  the  gentle  sex  his  way  is  to  win^ 
wear,  and  soon  forsake.  Come,  Murray,  my  fob  is 
mended  ;  let 's  on  to  the  house  and  take  a  cup  of 
Sir  James's  coffee  before  retiring." 

Roy  lay  still  until  the  echo  of  their  footsteps 
died  away.  Then  he  sprang  up,  his  eyes  alight, 
his  heart  beating  wildly. 

"  Have  I  been  mad  to  doubt  her  ?  "  he  thought. 
"  Oh,  Geraldine,  my  darling,  while  the  faintest  ray 
of  hope  lights  my  breast,  not  man  nor  devil  shall 
tear  us  asunder  !  : 


CHAPTER  XII 

"  SHE   WOULD   AND    SHE   WOULD  N'T  " 

TONDEE'S  TAVERN  on  Broughton  Street  had 
been  the  well-known  rendezvous  for  the  patriots 
ever  since  the  organizing  of  the  Georgia  Sons  of 
Liberty  and  the  Council  of  Safety  when  the  war 
of  independence  began,  and  consequently  it  was 
a  house  always  under  surveillance  after  the  British 
occupation  in  1779.  But  try  as  those  in  authority 
did  to  maintain  efficient  police  system,  the  patriots 
continued  to  evade  it,  and  through  the  guests  who 
most  frequented  that  hostelry  Marion  received 
much  of  the  secret  information  which  enabled  him 
to  plan  and  make  his  raids  upon  the  enemy  with 
that  rapidity  and  unerring  certainty  which  made 
his  name  at  once  a  terror  and  a  success  in  the 
provinces  of  Georgia  and  South  Carolina. 

The  day  was  yet  young  when  a  barefooted  black 
boy  came  sleepily  through  the  door  of  the  tavern 
aforesaid,  carrying  a  bucket  of  water  which  he 
proceeded  to  splash  up  and  down  the  wooden  floor 
of  the  front  portico,  preparatory  to  mopping  the 
same.  He  had  succeeded  in  wetting  it  pretty 
thoroughly  when  his  attention  was  directed  from 
the  task  he  was  lazily  accomplishing  by  a  shout 


"SHE  WOULD  AND  SHE  WOULDN'T"    149 

from  the  room  whose  low  window  opened  upon  the 
portico. 

"  I  say,  boy,  stop  that  infernal  splashing  long 
enough  to  tell  some  one  to  fetch  me  a  morning 
punch.  The  sound  of  that  water  trickling  down 
makes  me  thirsty.  Egad,  't  is  the  first  time  water 
ever  affected  me  in  any  manner  whatever,"  and 
the  speaker  thrust  his  head  out  of  the  window, 
laughing  good-humoredly  as  he  spoke. 

"  Laws,  marse,  dey  ain't  nobody  'round  jes' 
yit,"  said  the  boy,  setting  down  his  bucket,  "  but 
ef  yo'  hole  on  fer  a  minute  tel  I  git  dis  yere  done, 
I  '11  come  an'  help  yo'  fin'  de  bottles." 

"  Oh,  if  it 's  a  matter  of  rinding  bottles,  I  can 
mix  it  myself,"  said  the  other,  drawing  back  from 
the  window,  and  proceeding  to  institute  a  search  in 
the  cupboard  behind  the  low  shelf  which  served 
as  the  bar.  "  I  wonder  what  became  of  those 
two  spies  who  were  lounging  here  when  I  went 
to  sleep ;  faith,  I  fancy  I  tired  them  out  with  my 
stories  of  Scotch  wars."  This  remark  was  de 
livered  in  an  undertone  to  himself,  as  he  brought 
out  tumbler  and  bottles.  At  last,  finding  what 
he  sought,  he  poured  it  into  the  glass,  and  was 
about  drinking  the  mixture  when  he  became  aware 
that  a  head  (not  belonging  to  the  black  boy)  was 
thrust  inside  the  window,  and  its  owner  was  quietly 
regarding  him. 

Roderick  McAlpine  drank  long  and  deep,  re 
gardless  of  the  stranger's  scrutiny,  and  then  setting 
down  the  empty  glass,  turned  toward  the  window. 


150  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  Good-day,  sir,"  said  Roy  Telfair  politely  ;  "  if 
you  will  invite  me  I  will  join  in  your  morning  re 
freshment,  providing  you  do  not  object  to  my 
vaulting  over  the  window-sill,  as  the  doorway  is 
flooded  with  water." 

"  On  my  word,  sir,  you  have  easy  manners," 
returned  McAlpine,  as  Roy  sprang  in  and  ap 
proached  him  ;  "  not  that  I  am  lacking  in  hospital 
ity,  but "  - 

"  You  prefer  to  select  the  object  of  it,"  inter 
rupted  Roy,  making  the  secret  sign  which  was  used 
by  the  Rangers.  "  Pardon  my  early  intrusion,  but 
I  searched  the  house  for  you  last  night,  met  with 
a  misadventure  which  detained  me,  and  spent  the 
night  in  a  cart  full  of  farm  produce,  which  I  have 
left,  with  the  horse  tied  carefully  to  a  tree,  just 
around  the  corner  there,  feeling  sure  that  I  could 
get  some  news  of  you  here." 

"  But  I  know  you,  sir,"  said  the  other,  survey 
ing  him  keenly  as  his  dark  eyes  scrutinized  the  dis 
guise  of  the  supposed  countryman  ;  "  and  you  wore 
a  lighter  skin  and  coat  of  another  color  under  the 
trees  in  the  Swamp  Fox's  camp.  Captain  Telfair, 
what  can  I  do  for  you  ?  " 

"  I  bring  you  this  letter ;  it  was  first  intrusted 
to  other  hands  than  mine  ;  give  me  word  of  mouth 
in  return,  as,  after  my  business  be  ended  in  the 
city,  I  go  direct  to  join  Colonel  Marion." 

But  McAlpine  was  engaged  in  deciphering  the 
scrap  of  paper  and  paid  no  heed  for  a  few  seconds. 
Then  he  raised  his  head,  looked  round  the  room 
cautiously,  and  spoke  in  a  whisper. 


"  'T  is  a  plan  well  arranged  and  matured,  by 
which  we  hope  to  capture  the  fort,  but  it  will  take 
more  forces  than  I  conceive  Colonel  Marion  can 
bring  to  aid  at  the  present  time.  We  have 
suborned  several  of  the  garrison,  and  are  warned 
from  Charleston  of  a  spy,  who  travels  with  Tarle- 
ton's  escort,  and  goes  by  the  name  of  Norman 
Burt." 

"  Ay,  a  tall  trooper ;  I  know  him,  and  I  think 
he  had  a  hand  in  my  escape  from  Tarleton's  band 
two  days  ago,  when  I  stood  good  chance  to  be 
shot."  * 

"  Burt  is  one  of  the  moving  spirits  in  the  affair. 
I  have  here  a  paper,"  and  he  drew  it  from  an 
inside  pocket,  "  which  contains  a  plan,  rudely 
done  as  you  see,  of  the  fort,  and  the  places  indi 
cated  where  we  may  make  entry  provided  we  can 
surprise  the  garrison.  Take  this,  and  the  rest  shall 
go  by  word  of  mouth,  but  not  till  nightfall,  as  I 
must  gather  some  information  to-day  which  is  of 
importance.  Can  you  meet  me  between  ten  and 
eleven  to-night  in  the  peach  orchard,  behind  the 
governor's  mansion  ?  He  holds  fete  to-night,  I  am 
told,  for  the  new  beauty,  Mistress  Geraldine  Mon- 
criffe,  and  I  shall  mingle  with  the  guests,  as  those 
I  wish  to  see  will  be  there." 

A  hot  flush  dyed  Telfair's  face.  "Was  this  then 
his  opportunity  to  see  Geraldine,  and  perhaps  gain 
speech  of  her?  The  daring  thought  suited  his 
impetuous  temper,  and  he  eagerly  assured  Mc- 
Alpine  that  he  would  keep  the  appointment  at  the 


152  A  PRETTY  TORY 

hour  named,  and  hiding  the  paper  containing  the 
plan  of  Fort  Wayne  in  his  breast,  he  bade  him 
farewell,  and  springing  out  of  the  window  pro 
ceeded  to  find  the  horse  and  cart,  which  had  re 
mained  apparently  undisturbed  in  his  absence. 

The  fete  which  Sir  James  Wright,  governor  of 
the  province  of  Georgia,  was  about  to  give  had 
been  the  subject  of  much  talk  and  gossip,  as  it 
would  serve  the  double  purpose  of  celebrating  the 
return  of  British  rule  and  of  compliment  to  the 
daughter  of  the  officer  who  had  taken  prominent 
part  in  the  siege,  and  with  the  exception  of  the  few 
houses  still  occupied  by  the  Whigs  who  dared  to 
remain  in  the  city,  there  was  not  a  resident  who 
had  not  been  included  in  the  invitations,  and  con 
sequently  Savannah  felt  in  a  properly  gala  mood. 
Flags  floated  on  the  fort  and  the  governor's  man 
sion,  and  the  sun  rose  brightly  over  the  waters  of 
the  bay.  It  was  rumored  that  a  gay  party  was  ex 
pected  from  Charleston,  who  were  coming  by  sloop, 
and  this  added  to  the  interest  of  the  affair,  as  even 
in  those  early  days  there  was  generous  social 
rivalry  between  the  two  cities. 

Molly  Durbeville,  sitting  in  her  window  on 
Broughton  Street,  watched  the  carts  and  pedes 
trians  as  they  passed,  most  of  them,  as  she  shrewdly 
conjectured,  on  the  way  to  the  scene  of  the  night's 
festivities,  and  she  commented  on  each  in  her 
usual  lively  fashion  :  "  There  goes  the  third  black 
boy  carrying  vines,  Anne ;  I  am  sure  they  must 
be  decking  the  whole  pavilion,  which  is  to  be  set 


"SHE  WOULD  AND  SHE  WOULDN'T"    153 

in  the  garden.  And  here  are  flags ;  oh,  ay,  no 
doubt  for  the  ballroom,  —  and  one,  two,  four  carts, 
filled  with  provisions.  See  this  covered  one.  I 
am  sure  that  is  from  Ebenezer ;  yes,  there 's  the 
same  bright-looking  lad  whom  -I  purchased  the 
roots  and  vines  from  last  year,  which  reminds  me 
that  I  need  a  few  more  to  replenish  those  that  have 
not  flourished.  Here,  lad,  here,"  calling  and 
waving  her  hand,  "  stop  a  moment ;  "  and  greatly 
to  the  horror  of  her  more  decorous  sister,  Molly 
flew  out  of  the  door  and  ran  down  to  the  cart. 

Franz,  who  was  driving,  drew  up  his  horse 
obediently,  as  Molly  accosted  him.  "  Do  you  re 
member  me  ?  I  had  vines  of  you  last  year." 

"  Yes,"  said  Franz,  nodding  back  at  the  plea 
sant-voiced  maid,  "  did  the  lady  want  more  ?  I 
have  not  them  to-day ;  I  go  to  take  mine  load  to 
the  governor's." 

"  I  thought  so,  but  just  let  me  look  "  —  and  then 
Molly  stopped  abruptly,  for  back  in  the  cart  she 
saw  a  pair  of  eyes  that  even  beneath  the  battered 
hat  she  recognized,  and  the  bright  color  deserted 
her  face  with  rapidity  born  of  consternation.  Tel- 
fair  smiled,  and  laid  a  finger  on  his  lips,  but  Molly 
impulsively  ran  around  the  cart  and  whispered  to 
him, — 

"  How  dare  you  be  here !  for  Heaven's  sake 
take  care,  and  seek  better  disguise." 

*'  I  am  on  the  way  to  secure  such,"  he  answered; 
"  keep  my  counsel  and  receive  my  thanks." 

Molly  returned  to  the  house  much  more  soberly 


154  A  PRETTY  TORY 

than  she  left  it,  and  watched  the  cart  out  of  sight 
as  it  drove  slowly  around  the  corner  of  Jefferson 
Street  and  disappeared,  but  she  pondered  much 
and  long  that  day,  and  did  not  recover  her  spirits 
until  she  commenced  to  dress  for  the  fete. 

Sir  James  Wright's  guests  began  to  arrive  be 
times  for  the  governor's  fete,  which  comprised,  first, 
a  stately  ceremonial  in  the  way  of  a  reception  held 
in  the  pavilion  erected  a  short  distance  from  the 
mansion.  Next,  the  dance,  which  was  arranged  in 
the  house,  a  whole  floor  having  been  cleared  for 
the  purpose ;  and  lastly,  the  abundant  supper,  that 
was  served  at  half  past  ten  o'clock  and  continued, 
together  with  the  dancing,  until  broad  daylight,  if 
it  suited  the  guests  to  remain  until  the  sun  rose. 

The  pavilion  was  lighted  with  wax  lights  and 
hung  with  wreaths  of  green  and  flowers,  and  the 
path  to  and  from  it  to  the  mansion  lighted  by  lan 
terns  fixed  to  the  trees,  which  cast  a  light  sufficient 
to  penetrate  a  short  distance  into  the  garden,  be 
yond  which  lay  the  peach  orchard  that  ran  back  to 
South  Broad  Street  and  there  straggled  off  in  a 
westerly  direction.  As  a  chronicler  of  the  times 
quaintly  remarks,  the  fete  "  was  the  most  numer 
ous  and  brilliant  appearance  ever  known  in  the 
town,  and  was  long  talked  of  and  discussed  in  the 
social  circles  of  Savannah." 

When  Geraldine,  accompanied  by  her  father  and 
Colonel  Tarleton,  entered  the  pavilion  a  soft  mur 
mur  of  admiration  ran  around  the  room,  for  even 
her  stately  court  gown  did  not  detract  from  her 


"SHE  WOULD  AND  SHE  WOULDN'T"    155 

beauty  and  grace;  and  the  touch  of  powder  on 
her  hair  brought  out  the  rose-leaf  tint  of  her  com 
plexion,  while  the  diamonds  that  glittered  on  her 
neck  seemed  to  reflect  the  sparkle  of  her  blue 
eyes.  Tarleton,  chapeau  in  hand,  approached 
Lady  Dolly,  who,  dressed  in  a  marvelous  "  atlas 
gown  of  blue  and  gold  with  flowered  petticoat " 
(again  we  quote  the  chronicler),  was  doing  the 
honors  of  the  evening,  with  her  merry  yet  courtly 
air,  and  bade  Geraldine  stand  beside  her  until  it 
should  please  His  Excellency  to  open  the  ball  with 
her. 

Geraldine,  it  must  be  said,  was  in  the  highest 
possible  spirits.  All  day  long  she  had  teased  and 
tormented  Tarleton,  never  once  allowing  him  '  to 
pass  the  barrier  she  had  so  coquettishly  laid  down, 
and  even  evading  her  father's  evident  desire  to 
obtain  some  definite  assurance  of  her  satisfaction 
with  the  proposed  alliance.  But  why  her  heart 
bounded  so  lightly  within  her  bosom  Geraldine 
would  not  acknowledge,  albeit  she  could  not  re 
strain  a  smile  when  Margot,  having  completed  her 
careful  toilet,  said  gravely,  as  she  surveyed  her 
with  bland  satisfaction,  — 

"Ah,  my  leddy,  the  air  o'  the  plantation  has 
done  mickle  for  ye  since  yester  e'en ;  I  wadna 
think  ye  the  same  lassie  that  fell  asleep  wi'  tears 
in  her  bonnie  blue  e'." 

But  Geraldine  only  shook  her  head  playfully  as 
she  went  down  the  gallery.  Not  even  to  Margot 
would  she  confess  that  the  magic  which  had 


156  A  PRETTY  TORY 

changed  her  mood  was  the  timely  escape  of  a 
rebel  and  an  ingrate. 

Outside  the  mansion  about  the  time  of  Geral- 
dine's  arrival,  down  in  the  peach  orchard,  beside  a 
horse  which  he  had  tied  to  one  of  the  trees,  stood 
Roy  Telfair.  He  had  changed  his  dress  for  that 
of  a  seafaring  man,  and  restored  his  face  to  its 
usual  complexion,  depending  upon  a  wide  hat  low 
over  his  brow,  and  a  blue  handkerchief  around  his 
neck  for  concealment,  as  he  argued  that  he  would 
probably  have  to  run  for  it  should  his  way  be 
challenged,  and  in  the  haste  of  his  departure,  aided 
by  the  uncertain  light,  could  escape  recognition. 
Capture  with  the  plan  of  the  fort  upon  him  meant 
a  spy's  death ;  but  even  so,  he  would  dare  all  for 
his  country's  sake. 

He  waited  with  what  patience  he  could,  creep 
ing  about  in  the  shadow  of  the  trees,  for  McAlpine, 
and  at  last  was  relieved  by  seeing  him  saunter 
carelessly  into  the  summer-house.  A  low  call 
of  the  whippoorwill  made  it  certain,  and  skirting 
along  the  side  of  the  house  he  met  McAlpine  at 
the  door. 

"  I  have  seen  four  of  the  men  I  hoped  to  find," 
said  McAlpine  in  low  tones,  stepping  back  in  the 
shade  made  by  the  vines,  "  and  you  may  say  to 
Marion  for  me  that  the  raid  cannot  take  place  be 
fore  the  change  of  the  moon.  I  have  still  one  more 
patriot  to  hold  counsel  with,  but  slipped  away  lest 
you  should  deem  me  unable  to  keep  the  rendezvous  ; 
if  so  be  you  can  tarry  without  suspicion  for  a  half 


"SHE  WOULD  AND  SHE  WOULDN'T"    157 

hour  longer  I  will  return,  but  further  from  this 
point  —  Hist !  I  hear  voices.  Wait  if  you  can ; 
if  not  speed  on  at  the  expiration  of  the  half  hour, 
and  by  all  means  protect  yourself."  Roy  glided 
back  to  the  place  where  his  horse  stood  tied,  and 
McAlpine,  humming  a  Scotch  air,  went  carelessly 
back  toward  the  pavilion. 

"  Mistress  Moncriffe,  I  solicit  the  honor  of  your 
hand  in  the  opening  contra-dance,"  said  Sir  James 
some  half  hour  later,  bowing  profoundly  ;  and  then 
led  the  way  through  the  garden  to  the  ballroom, 
where  the  band  from  the  fort  sent  forth  inspiring 
music  as  the  gay  company  entered  and  formed  for 
the  dance  named,  Lady  Dolly  and  Tarleton  leading 
from  the  other  end.  Slow  and  stately  was  the 
movement  (in  contrast  to  ours  of  a  later  day),  and 
many  the  admiring  glances  cast  on  the  principal 
performers  by  those  who  looked  on,  awaiting  their 
turn  as  etiquette  demanded. 

After  the  formal  opening  the  dancing  became 
general,  and  Geraldine's  partners  were  so  many 
that  Tarleton,  to  his  chagrin,  was  only  able  to  ob 
tain  a  fourth  or  fifth  dance  from  the  pretty  Tory. 
But  with  his  usual  adroitness,  he  sought  out  those 
guests  whom  he  had  met  at  Glenmoira,  dancing  in 
turn  with  them  while  consumed  with  inward  impa 
tience  for  his  return  to  Geraldine. 

Allastar  Murray,  having  been  so  fortunate  as  to 
secure  one  of  the  coveted  dances,  enjoyed  it  even 
beyond  his  expectation,  for  a  casual  mention  of 
Dumblane  gave  Geraldine  her  opportunity,  and  all 


158  A  PRETTY  TORY 

unconscious  that  she  was  delighting  her  listener, 
she  poured  forth  her  love  and  admiration  for  Rose 
into  his  delighted  ears,  and  thereby  secured  to  her 
self  a  loyal  and  faithful  admirer.  And  being  loath 
to  leave  so  interesting  a  topic  at  the  end  of  the 
dance,  Murray  proposed  a  stroll  in  the  garden, 
and  Geraldine,  feeling  the  heat  of  the  ballroom, 
gladly  acquiesced,  and  they  walked  quietly  and 
unperceived  forth  into  the  night. 

"  Oh,  how  lovely !  "  said  Geraldine  as  they  fol 
lowed  the  path  that  led  beyond  the  pavilion  toward 
the  orchard,  where  the  trees  were  making  exquisite 
shadows  in  the  growing  moonlight.  "  I  think  Sir 
James  said  there  were  seats  in  the  pleasaunce, — 
yes,  there  are  some,  beneath  that  vine." 

"  Better  still,  the  summer-house  ;  I  fear  the  dew 
is  falling  and  you  are  not  yet  acclimated.  This 
Southern  air,  soft  though  it  be,  is  very  different 
from  our  Scotch  breezes." 

"  True,  I  had  forgotten ;  then  we  will  try  the 
summer-house."  But  as  she  spoke  a  strange,  swift 
shiver  crept  over  Geraldine  and  with  a  light  laugh 
she  said,  "  You  are  wise  to  warn  me ;  I  think  per 
haps  we  had  best  return,  cool  and  grateful  though 
the  air  is,  for  I  am  somewhat  chilly  here  now,  unless 
you  will  fetch  me  my  scarf  which  I  carelessly 
left  somewhere  in  the  pavilion.  Thank  you,"  as 
Murray  acquiesced ;  "  no,  I  will  await  you  here ; 
it  can  do  me  no  harm,  for  I  will  pin  my  kerchief 
across  my  breast." 

Murray  sped  away,  and  Geraldine,  seating  her- 


"SHE  WOULD  AND  SHE  WOULDN'T"    159 

self  on  the  wooden  bench,  gave  a  low  sigh  as  she 
enjoyed  the  luxury  of  being  alone  and  off  her 
guard  for  a  few  brief  moments.  And  so,  of  course, 
fate  took  instant  advantage,  for,  intent  upon  her 
thoughts,  she  never  heard  a  footstep  brush  the 
grass  and  steal  across  the  threshold,  till  with  a  wild 
start  she  came  back  from  her  dreams,  to  feel  a 
strong  arm  around  her  and  hear  a  tender  voice  say 
in  the  tone  she  had  never  forgotten,  "  Geraldine, 
my  own,  forgive  me,  and  believe  that  I  was  mad  to 
doubt  you." 

For  a  brief  instant  she  lay  still  in  his  embrace, 
half  terrified  at  the  wave  of  emotion  that  swept 
over  her,  then  she  tore  herself  away. 

"  Roy,  Roy,  is  it  really  you  ?  Oh,  how  can  you 
tempt  death  and  destruction  thus  ?  I  have  been 
so  happy  in  the  belief  that  you  "  —  she  paused 
with  trembling  lips,  which  he,  half  beside  himself 
at  her  change  of  mood,  bent  down  and  kissed. 
"  Oh,  you  are  not  safe  here  for  one  brief  moment. 
Go,  go,  I  do  beseech  you." 

"  Not  till  I  hear  that  you  forgive  —  that  you 
love  me  still,  that  this  hateful  alliance  will  never 
be  consummated,"  and  he  threw  himself  on  his  knees 
before  her. 

"  Alas,  I  cannot  tell,"  she  sighed  softly  ;  "  what 
is  a  dutiful  daughter  to  decide  when  her  father 
commands  ?  " 

"  Consult  your  own  heart  and  answer  me  here 
and  now.  That  you  did  love  me  I  truly  believe  ; 
that  you  still  love  me  I  hope  as  for  my  salvation." 


160  A  PRETTY  TORY 

*'  I  stand  I  hardly  know  how  between  two  fires, 
either  of  which  threatens  to  destroy  me." 

"  Nay,  sweetheart,  if  you  view  me  with  terror 
that  is  a  deathblow  to  love.  Kiss  me  once  and  say 
farewell." 

"  Ah,"  a  little,  fond  heart-breaking  cry.  "  Oh, 
for  some  guide  to  show  me  the  way  out  of  this 
labyrinth  !  " 

"  Geraldine,  let  your  heart  speak ;  dismiss  these 
dreams  of  ambition  and  be  true  to  your  noblest 
self.  Bend  your  lovely  eyes  to  mine,  love  ;  in 
their  blue  depths  I  can  see  that  almost  against 
your  will  you  are  loyal  to  your  country  and  to  me." 

"  I  had  better  close  my  eyes  since  they  are  such 
telltales  and  say  so  much,"  she  whispered  with  a 
low  laugh,  and  then  as  she  uttered  the  arch  con 
fession,  looking  behind  them  toward  the  pavilion, 
to  her  horror  she  saw  approaching  in  the  moon 
light  the  figure  not  of  Murray,  but  Tarleton.  Oh, 
kind  Heaven,  could  she  rescue  Roy  again,  and  how  ? 

"  Rise,  sir,"  she  said,  in  a  voice  so  cold  and 
scornful  that  Roy  gazed  at  her  in  stunned  sur 
prise,  unable  to  account  for  her  sudden  change  of 
manner,  "  rise  and  annoy  me  no  more.  I  am  in 
deed  amazed  at  your  presumption  and  must  ask 
that  you  leave  me  instantly." 

"  Mistress  Moncriffe  has  here  a  protector  and 
defender,"  cried  Tarleton,  darting  to  her  side,  as 
Telfair,  scarce  able  to  believe  his  ears,  staggered  to 
his  feet.  "  Well,  sir,"  as  he  suddenly  recognized 
his  former  prisoner,  "  you  are  a  braver  man  even 


"SHE  WOULD  AND  SHE  WOULDN'T"    161 

than  I  thought,  since  not  content  with  again  put 
ting  your  head  in  the  lion's  mouth  you  dare  to  as 
pire  to  the  lady  whom  Tarleton  claims  " 

"  By  God,  sir,  your  claims  shall  be  promptly 
settled,"  cried  Roy,  pale  with  fury,  and  as  Murray 
came  suddenly  upon  the  group,  he  saw  him  strike 
Tarleton  lightly  upon  the  face  with  the  palm  of 
his  hand.  "  I  am  ready  to  give  all  the  satisfaction 
you  demand,  and  more.  Murray,  your  sword  will 
answer  my  purpose,"  and,  snatching  the  rapier 
which  Murray  wore  at  his  side,  Roy  cried,  "  On 
guard,  sir,"  as  he  made  a  pass  at  Tarleton  and 
drove  him  across  the  threshold  of  the  summer- 
house  to  the  grass  beyond. 

Tarleton's  sword  flew  from  its  sheath,  his  eyes 
blazing,  even  as  he  debated  whether  he  should  call 
for  aid  to  secure  his  former  prisoner,  but  the  pre 
sence  of  Geraldine  forbade  the  treachery,  and 
besides  it  would  be  easy  enough  to  secure  Telfair 
after  he  (one  of  the  best  swordsmen  in  the  British 
army)  had  disarmed  him  and  taught  this  saucy 
rebel  a  much  needed  lesson.  For  a  few  seconds 
nothing  was  heard  except  the  clash  of  steel  and 
the  hurried  breathing  of  the  combatants ;  then 
Telfair  began  to  push  his  adversary  with  surpris 
ingly  swift  strokes,  and  suddenly,  with  a  wonderful 
quickness  which  the  lookers-on  hardly  realized, 
there  was  a  flash,  a  gleam  of  bright  steel  in  the 
moonlight,  as  Tarleton's  sword  flew  from  his  hand 
and  he  stood  absolutely  at  Telfair 's  mercy. 

"  So  turns  the  wheel  of  fortune,"  said  Telfair, 


162  A  PRETTY  TORY 

as  he  calmly  possessed  himself  of  the  weapon. 
"  Yours  yesterday,  mine  to-day.  I  give  you  your 
life,  sir,  as  you  gave  me  mine ;  accept  the  gift  at 
the  hands  of  a  rebel  whom  you  scorned,  but  who 
has  at  least  taught  you  that  he  is  worthy  of  respect. 
I  regret  that  an  engagement  with  Colonel  Marion 
compels  me  to  leave  you  somewhat  abruptly.  Take 
your  sword,"  and  he  flung  it  contemptuously  at 
Tarleton's  feet,  "  I  will  not  burden  myself  with  so 
bloody  a  weapon  ;  but  remember  when  next  you 
meet  an  American  on  the  field  that  one  of  them 
gave  you  the  quarter  you  denied  his  countrymen," 
and  before  his  passionate,  ringing  tones  had  fairly 
died  on  the  air,  he  thrust  his  sword  into  Murray's 
hand  and  plunged  among  the  shadows  of  the  trees. 

For  an  instant  the  group  stood  as  if  paralyzed, 
but  choking  though  he  was  with  mortification  and 
rage,  Tarleton  was  the  first  to  recover  himself. 
"Help,  help,"  he  shouted,  as  he  dashed  up  the 
path  and  ran  full  against  Selwyn  and  McAlpine, 
"  to  horse  with  all  speed  ;  that  ubiquitous  rebel, 
Telfair,  has  just  escaped  through  the  orchard,  and 
unless  he  be  the  devil  himself  we  can  stop  him 
this  time." 

Selwyn  dropped  McAlpine's  arm  and  joined 
Tarleton  in  the  hue  and  cry,  the  result  of  which 
was  that  several  officers  and  men,  with  Tarleton  at 
their  head,  were  soon  mounted  and  in  hot  pursuit 
up  Jefferson  Street,  where  they  debated  for  a  mo 
ment  which  way  to  proceed. 

Geraldiue,    clinging   to  Murray's   arm,  felt    a 


deadly  faintness  creep  over  her,  although  she 
struggled  for  composure. 

"  You  cannot  walk,"  cried  Murray,  "  let  me  fly 
for  a  glass  of  wine;  rest  here.  Oh,  sir,"  to 
McAlpine,  who  approached  them  on  his  way  to  see 
if  aught  had  befallen  Telfair,  "  assist  Mistress 
Moncriffe  for  an  instant  until  I  return." 

"  It  is  hardly  necessary,"  faltered  Geraldine, 
sinking  on  the  bench  of  the  summer-house  as 
Murray  ran  hastily  toward  the  pavilion.  "You 
are  most  kind,  sir.  Do  you  think — is  it  possible 
—  that  Captain  Telfair  can  escape  ?  "  There  was 
such  a  note  of  agony  in  her  voice  that  McAlpine, 
who  had  been  about  to  make  a  far  different  assur 
ance,  said  kindly,  — 

"  Why  not  ?  Marion  and  his  men  bear  charmed 
lives,  they  say,  and  Telfair  has  doubtless  provided 
for  his  own  security.  Hark !  we  cannot  hear  dis 
tinctly,  but  I  am  sure  that  a  horseman  is  racing 
out  on  South  Broad  Street ;  trust  him  to  double  on 
his  pursuers." 

It  was  indeed  Roy,  as  McAlpine  shrewdly  sur 
mised,  and  he  had  a  few  precious  minutes'  start,  as 
he  had  calculated.  But  as  he  turned  again  to 
take  the  road  that  led  out  by  Musgrove  Swamp  he 
heard  the  rapid  beat  of  horses'  hoofs  and  knew 
they  were  hot  upon  his  trail.  Hans'  horse  was 
proving  himself  a  gallant  beast,  and  he  headed  him 
straight  for  the  water,  pulling  out  his  pistol  as  he 
rode  and  thrusting  the  telltale  plan  of  the  fort 
inside  it  as  a  wad,  determined  that  he  would  save 


164  A  PRETTY  TORY 

it  if  he  could,  or  thus  destroy  it  if  forced  to  shoot. 
On,  on,  but  the  hoof-beats  were  coming  nearer ; 
one  more  desperate  effort,  and  the  bend  in  the 
road  touched  the  shore,  where  he  could  leave 
the  horse  and  hide  in  the  swamp. 

The  tide  was  coming  in  over  the  swamp,  and 
springing  from  his  horse,  Telfair  flung  the  reins 
over  the  good  beast's  neck,  and  plunged  deep  into 
the  water.  As  he  did  so,  he  could  both  hear  and 
see  the  group  of  mounted  men  who  paused  be 
wildered  to  survey  the  tired  horse,  but  a  faint 
sound  at  his  left,  where  grew  a  cluster  of  low  trees 
which  would  afford  him  concealment,  made  him 
turn  his  head.  The  bushes  parted,  and  as  he  swam 
nearer  he  saw,  in  their  shadow,  an  Indian  canoe, 
and  in  the  boat,  regarding  him  silently,  sat 
Ossaba.  A  moment  longer  and  Hoy  clambered 
over  its  side,  and  sank  breathless  and  in  safety  on 
the  bottom  of  the  boat,  as  the  bushes  closed  over 
their  heads. 


CHAPTER  XIII 

LADY  DOLLY  ACCEPTS  THE  ROLE  OF  CONFIDANTE 

"  MY  cup  of  chocolate  at  once  ;  I  have  actually 
waited  ten  minutes,  and  I  must  make  my  toilet  by 
twelve." 

"Yes,  madam,  it  is  not  my  fault  that  your  orders 
are  not  fulfilled.  These  African  servants  are  both 
slow  and  lazy  and  have  apparently  no  account  of 
time,"  replied  Lady  Dolly's  prim  English  maid. 
"  If  your  ladyship  would  be  pleased  to  speak  " — 

"  But  I  'm  not  pleased  about  anything,"  re 
torted  Lady  Dolly  sleepily,  from  between  the  bed 
curtains.  "  I  am  half  dead  from  dancing  until 
four  o'clock  this  morning,  and  really,  Simpson,  as 
that  chocolate  is  so  tardy,  you  may  fill  me  a  glass 
of  liqueur  from  the  cabinet  yonder;"  and  her  lady 
ship  yawned  and  thrust  one  pretty  bare  foot  out 
side  the  coverlet  as  she  spoke.  Simpson  fetched 
the  liqueur  as  she  was  bid,  and  presently  came  a 
rap  on  the  chamber  door,  and  a  salver  made  its 
appearance  containing  a  pot  of  steaming  chocolate, 
accompanied  by  hot  corn-bread  which  Lady  Dolly 
managed  to  swallow  with  keen  relish,  talking  the 
while  busily  to  her  maid. 

"  It  was  the  prettiest  fete  I  've  seen  since  I  left 


166  A  PRETTY  TORY 

home,"  declared  she,  draining  her  second  cup  of 
chocolate  with  unabated  appetite.  "  There  is  a 
species  of  novelty  about  the  social  element,  and 
with  due  ceremony  at  one  moment,  a  curious  lack 
of  it  the  next,  which  appeals  to  me.  I  trust  you 
had  some  refreshments,  Simpson,  for  I  believe  I 
kept  you  waiting  an  unconscionable  time." 

"  Yes,  my  lady,  we  were  all  served  after  coming 
in  from  the  garden,  where  we  servants  ran  when 
the  hue  and  cry  sounded,  and  I  was  like  to  die  of 
fright  because  the  blacks  declared  that  it  was  a 
raid  of  Marion's  men,  and  I  expected  nothing  but 
that  we  should  all  be  taken  prisoners." 

"  And  carried  off  to  mountain  fastnesses,"  cried 
Lady  Doll}',  laughing  in  high  glee.  "  Oh,  Simp 
son,  what  an  opportunity  was  lost !  If  those  bold 
outlaws  only  had  appeared  —  think  what  an  ad 
venture  to  have  told  when  we  return  home !  " 

"  Yes,  madam,"  replied  Simpson  meekly,  but 
inwardly  giving  thanks  that  her  madcap  mistress 
was  safely  bestowed  in  bed,  instead  of  under  the 
greenwood  tree  she  aspired  to  ;  u  will  you  have  the 
blue  or  the  purple  paduasoy  this  morning  ?  " 

"  Oh,  the  blue,  by  all  means ;  't  is  a  delicate 
compliment  to  the  brave  young  fellow  who  so  suc 
cessfully  made  his  escape.  On  my  word,"  and 
Lady  Dolly  sighed  softly  with  an  air  of  sentiment 
as  she  rose,  "  if  I  stop  here  among  these  extraor 
dinary  people  longer,  I  shall  awake  some  morn 
ing  and  find  myself  a  rebel  of  the  deepest  —  I 
mean  bluest  —  dye." 


THE  ROLE  OF  CONFIDANTE  167 

"  I  thought,  your  ladyship,  that  the  color 
adopted  by  these  outlaws  was  green.  I  'm  sure 
that  is  what  they  wore  that  awful  night  on  the 
plantation." 

"  Oh,  ay ;  blue  in  New  York,  green  in  Georgia, 
but  all  of  them  tarred  with  the  same  stick,"  said 
Lady  Dolly,  laughing.  "  I  really  am  anxious 
about  that  reckless  young  man.  Fancy  his  daring 
to  challenge  Colonel  Tarleton  when  he  might  be 
surrounded  and  captured  at  any  moment.  Did  you 
hear  whether  he  made  his  escape  by  land  or 
water  ?  "  It  must  be  confessed  that  Lady  Dolly 
loved  to  gossip,  whether  it  be  with  her  maid  up 
stairs,  or  in  the  drawing-room  below,  and  Simpson 
was  perfectly  aware  of  the  fact,  so  she  retailed  a 
highly  colored  and  picturesque  account  of  Captain 
Telf air's  adventures,  with  an  added  detail  to  the 
effect  that  some  supernatural  agency  certainly 
superintended  his  fortunes,  or  his  capture  would 
have  been  inevitable. 

"  Pooh!  "  said  Lady  Dolly  as  she  arrayed  herself 
in  the  blue  paduasoy,  which  was  most  becoming  to 
her  blonde  coloring,  "  if  I  had  the  cross-examining 
of  those  blacks  on  the  plantation  I  '11  wager  I  'd 
have  got  to  the  bottom  of  that  mystery.  What 's 
that  at  my  door,  Simpson?  Some  one  knocks." 

In  response  to  the  summons,  Simpson  presently 
informed  her  mistress  that  Colonel  Tarleton  was 
below  and  craved  the  pleasure  of  seeing  her, 
which  information  caused  a  slight  flutter  on  the 
part  of  that  fair  lady,  who,  nevertheless,  contrived 


168  A  PRETTY  TORY 

to  descend  in  another  ten  minutes,  filled  with  over- 
powering  curiosity  and  no  little  mischief. 

The  drawing-room  of  Colonel  Pre vest's  resi 
dence  was  a  long,  low-ceilinged  room,  with  windows 
looking  out  on  the  bay,  and  in  one  of  them  stood 
Tarleton,  with  somewhat  frowning  brow,  as  Lady 
Dolly  entered. 

"  A  good  day  to  you,  sir.  You  are  early  astir 
after  the  festivities  of  last  night,  or  rather  this 
morning,"  giving  him  her  hand,  upon  which  he 
instantly  pressed  a  kiss,  "  and  you  look  as  fresh  as 
if  you  had  not  been  doing  duty  both  as  carpet- 
knight  and  soldier.  By  the  bye,  how  far  out  did 
your  pursuit  of  that  lively  and  ubiquitous  young 
man  take  you  ?  " 

"  Just  a  mile  up  the  road,  where  we  found  an 
old  and  rather  blown  nag  standing  riderless  (it 
was  claimed  by  a  Dutch  lad,  who  told  a  pitiful  tale 
of  how  the  rebel  had  stolen  it  from  his  cart  where 
the  animal  stood  hitched  on  State  Street),  and  for 
the  moment  we  were  quite  at  fault;  but  the 
troopers  declared  that  our  quarry  had  taken  to  the 
swamp,  and  by  the  time  we  had  finished  debating 
the  point,  we  were  forced  to  abandon  it  for  lack  of 
boat  to  explore,  though  they  tell  me  that  Mus- 
grove  Swamp  is  a  devilish  good  place  for  both 
hiding  and  drowning." 

Lady  Dolly  gave  way  to  laughter,  and  after 
frowning  for  a  moment,  Tarleton  joined  her. 
"  Forgive  me,"  she  said,  taking  breath  again,  "  the 
humorous  side  is  uppermost  in  me  to-day." 


THE  ROLE  OF  CONFIDANTE  169 

"  '  He  laughs  best  who  laughs  last,' "  quoted  Tarle- 
ton  somewhat  grimly,  but  aware  that  he  could  not 
wholly  conceal  his  discomfiture  and  rage  from  the 
quick-witted  lady,  although  he  prayed  devoutly 
that  she  had  not  yet  heard  the  disastrous  end  of 
his  duel  with  Telfair.  "  But  a  truce  to  this  epi 
sode,  which  I  own  causes  me  chagrin.  I  came  to 
see  you  for  a  far  different  cause." 

"  Indeed,"  regarding  him  intently ;  "  then  't  is 
love,  not  war,  that  makes  your  errand." 

He  smiled  at  her  readiness  as  he  made  answer : 
"Ay,  and  'pon  honor,  for  the  first  time  I  am 
minded  to  ask  one  of  your  sex  about  another." 

"  Ah,  Tar le ton,  to  what  a  pass  do  I  see  you 
brought  —  gay  gallant  as  you  are  —  by  this  fair 
and  subtle  American  !  " 

"  You  are  right,"  he  cried,  with  such  infinite 
passion  and  earnestness  that  Lady  Dolly  was 
startled  into  gravity.  "  I  half  believe  I  am  be 
witched,  for  her  beauty  entrances  me  while  her 
coldness  maddens  me.  You  are  wise  —  tell  me, 
shall  I  press  her  for  definite  assurance  that  I  may 
win  her,  or  give  her  what  she  asks  of  me  —  time  ?  " 

"  Has  it  then  gone  so  far  ?  Women,  like  horses, 
love  to  have  their  heads  given  them,  and  I  do 
think  whip  and  spur  a  mistake,  under  most  circum 
stances,  with  either ! " 

"  You  may  be  right."  He  sighed,  walked  back 
and  forward  a  few  restless  steps,  and  then  re 
sumed  :  "  That  fellow,"  with  concentrated  hatred 
in  his  tone  that  made  Lady  Dolly  open  wide  her 


170  A  PRETTY  TORY 

eyes  and  stare  at  him,  —  "  that  fellow  has  the 
audacity  to  admire  her;  damn  him !  " 

"  Fie,  fie,"  shaking  her  head  in  pretended  horror 
at  the  oath  ;  "  what  do  you  mean  ?  Not  the  gentle 
man  who  does  the  disappearing  act  so  cleverly  ?  " 

"  Ay,  I  found  him  on  his  knees  before  her  in 
the  summer-house." 

"  Oh  !  "  said  Lady  Dolly  to  herself ;  and  it  was 
a  very  large  round  O,  and  meant  at  least  a  quarto 
volume  of  comprehension.  But  aloud  she  mur 
mured  softly,  "  What  presumption  !  I  trust  Mis 
tress  Moncriffe  reproved  him  promptly  ?  " 

"  Faith,  she  did,  and  almost  summoned  me  to 
her  side  by  her  answer.  And  I  rushed  to  her," 
—  Tarleton  caught  himself  just  in  time. 

"  And  he  escaped,"  cried  Lady  Dolly,  now  fully 
convinced  that  in  the  encounter  between  the  two 
men,  Tarleton  had  been  worsted,  and  unable  to 
help  a  little  private  exultation  over  the  dashing 
rebel  whom  in  her  naughty  heart  she  admired. 
"  Why,  man,  the  field  is  open  for  you,  but  for 
Heaven's  sake  ride  carefully  or  you  will  be  thrown." 

Tarleton  smiled  at  the  racing  simile.  Sir  Don 
ald  Menteith  was  master  of  hounds  at  home,  and 
Lady  Dolly  dearly  loved  to  follow  the  pack,  and 
seldom  failed  to  be  in  at  the  death. 

"  Then  you  counsel  me  to  moderation  ?  But 
war  waits  not  for  love,  and  I  must  soon  leave  this 
place  to  stamp  out  this  rebellion  against  His 
Majesty.  And  you  know  I  ani  somewhat  given  to 
impetuosity." 


THE  ROLE  OF  CONFIDANTE  171 

"  I  am  aware  't  is  your  most  glaring  fault,"  said 
Lady  Dolly,  with  an  amused  recollection  of  certain 
passages  between  her  and  Tarleton  before  she 
changed  her  name  and  took  Sir  Donald  for  better 
or  worse ;  "  but  let  desire  wait  on  expediency ;  be 
lieve  me,  't  is  the  wiser  plan  to-day.  And  now  I 
must  dismiss  you,  for  I  am  going  for  a  ride  at  noon 
and  am  sure  to  be  late  as  it  is.  Farewell,"  and 
she  courtesied  to  him  with  a  merry  smile. 

Geraldine,  unlike  Lady  Dolly,  had  made  an 
early  awakening,  if  indeed  she  could  be  said  to 
have  slept,  for  after  conquering  her  faintness  she 
had  returned  to  the  ballroom  with  Murray  and 
danced  every  dance  as  she  had  promised,  Tarleton 
returning  in  time  to  claim  two  of  these,  and  so 
fearful  was  she  of  giving  cause  for  gossip,  or  of 
allowing  Tarleton  for  one  moment  to  suppose  that 
Telfair  occupied  her  thoughts,  that  she  unbent  a 
little  from  her  proud  dignity  and  was  almost  rest 
less  in  her  gayety.  Perhaps  that  added  to  her 
charm,  for  when  she  left  the  ballroom,  even  the 
feminine  verdict  of  Savannah  was  in  her  favor. 

It  had  been  Geraldine's  plan  to  stop  that  day  in 
the  city,  but  her  father  sent  word  by  Margot  that 
he  should  be  detained  at  the  fort  on  official  busi 
ness,  and  she  therefore  excused  herself  to  her  host, 
Sir  James,  and  ordered  her  chariot  to  take  her 
back  to  the  plantation.  But  when  it  came  around 
to  the  door,  there  came  also  Jumbo  leading  her 
own  bay  horse,  and  Geraldine  promptly  decided 
that  Margot  should  return  in  the  chariot,  while 


172  A  PRETTY  TORY 

she  would  ride  with  Jumbo  as  escort.  And  so  bid 
ding  graceful  farewells  and  thanks  to  the  governor, 
she  mounted  and  rode  swiftly  away,  before  Lady 
Dolly  had  finished  her  first  cup  of  chocolate. 

She  had  not  gone  far,  however,  on  her  homeward 
way,  before  she  was  seized  with  a  curious,  half- 
homesick  longing  to  once  more  see  Dumblane  and 
her  friend  Rose.  To  be  sure,  her  father  was  not 
friendly  now  with  the  Telfairs,  but  then  he  had 
made  no  remark  when  she  told  him  of  Rose's  visit, 
nor  had  he  forbidden  her  to  return  it.  Why  not  ? 
They  were  companions  almost  since  babyhood ; 
how  could  she  be  blamed  for  wanting  to  continue 
the  bond  of  friendship  even  if  this  unholy  war  had 
intervened  ?  So  with  a  quiet  word  to  Jumbo,  who 
galloped  back  to  deliver  her  message  of  where  she 
was  going  to  Margot,  and  to  bid  her  go  on  to 
Glenmoira,  Geraldine  turned  aside  as  she  came  to 
the  cross-road,  and  cantered  on  up  the  avenue  to 
Dumblane. 

Rose,  sitting  with  her  mother  on  the  portico, 
engaged  in  the  homely  and  necessary  employment 
of  rolling  bandages,  which  were  to  be  sent,  when 
opportunity  afforded,  to  the  forces  of  the  patriots 
in  South  Carolina,  could  hardly  believe  her  eyes 
when  she  saw  the  bay  horse  and  beheld  Geraldine 
waving  a  pretty  salute  to  them,  and  she  flew  to 
meet  her  as  she  drew  rein  at  the  door. 

"  Welcome,  thrice  welcome,"  she  cried,  throwing 
her  arms  around  her  friend,  forgetting  in  her 
warm-hearted  affection  the  terms  upon  which  they 


THE  ROLE  OF  CONFIDANTE  173 

had  parted,  while  Geraldine  totally  ignored  the 
fact  of  her  Tory  sentiments,  and  embraced  her 
rebel  Rose  with  the  utmost  fervor.  "Look, 
mother,  is  she  not  more  lovely  than  ever?  and 
grown,  yes,  though  even  now  you  are  not  so  tall  as 
I,"  and  Rose  gave  a  mock  condescending  glance  at 
the  red-gold  head. 

"  I  see  but  little  change,"  said  Madam  Telfair, 
as  she  kissed  the  pretty  cheek  which  glowed  afresh 
under  gaze  of  eyes  so  like  those  which  had  looked 
into  her  own  a  few  hours  before.  "  Yes,"  smiling, 
as  she  noted  the  girl's  brief  embarrassment,  "  you 
have  the  air  of  the  world  you  lacked  before,  and  I 
think  have  gained  in  self-control.  I  wish  I  could 
say  as  much  for  Rose,  who,  as  you  see,  remains 
outspoken  as  ever." 

"  Who  wants  me  otherwise  must  ride  away," 
returned  Rose  gayly. 

"  I,  for  one,  do  not,  although  you  did  read  me  a 
lecture  the  other  day,"  said  Geraldine,  with  a  teas 
ing  gleam  in  her  eye  ;  "  but  I  came  for  only  a  brief 
moment,  as  I  am  returning  home  after  the  fete  of 
last  night." 

"  Oh,  ay,  the  fete  given  by  Sir  James.  I  know 
you  were  the  admired  of  all,"  said  Rose  in  a  voice 
of  such  hearty  conviction  that  both  her  mother 
and  Geraldine  could  not  refrain  from  laughing. 

"  Not  precisely  all,  Rose ;  indeed,  if  my  mem 
ory  serves  there  was  one  young  and  passable-look 
ing  gallant,  who  occupied  his  entire  dance  with 
me  by  talking  of  you,  and  not  content  with  that, 


174  A  PRETTY  TORY 

he  resumed  the  fascinating  topic  when  he  claimed 
me  for  a  second.  I  had  never  met  your  cousin  be 
fore,  but  his  remarks  convinced  me  he  is  a  man  of 
taste." 

It  was  Rose's  turn  to  look  out  of  countenance, 
but  merriment  got  the  better  of  her,  and  she  in 
stantly  plunged  into  laughing  abuse  of  Murray, 
which  would  have  rejoiced  his  soul  to  hear,  and 
Madam  Telfair,  for  the  first  time,  wondered  in  her 
heart  whether  it  was  wise  to  have  that  young 
gentleman  come  so  frequently  and  familiarly  to 
Dumblane. 

The  pleasant  chat  flowed  on,  for  although  Geral- 
dine  was  possessed  with  the  uneasy  consciousness 
that  no  doubt  in  a  few  hours  Rose  and  her  mother 
would  hear  of  the  duel  and  of  Roy's  escape,  she 
could  not  bring  herself  to  inform  them  of  it ; 
looking  at  it  in  any  light  it  was  neither  wise  nor 
prudent  for  her  to  do  so,  and  finally  bidding  Madam 
Telfair  farewell  the  two  girls  walked  down  the 
avenue  together,  Jumbo  following  with  the  horses, 
and  Rose,  longing  with  all  her  heart  to  speak  of 
Roy,  was  withheld  by  fear  of  incautious  meddling 
in  what  she  felt  was  the  happiness  of  her  brother's 
life.  But  suddenly  Geraldine  stopped  short  in  the 
path,  and  laying  her  hand  in  Rose's,  said  softly  :  — 

"  I  do  not  know  when  I  may  see  you  again,  dear, 
or  what  you  may  hear  said  of  me  and  the  events 
that  seem  to  be  crowding  each  other  in  my  life, 
but  —  Rose,  promise  me  that  you  will  trust  me, 
and  —  and  —  make  those  you  love  trust  me  also  if 
you  can." 


THE  ROLE  OF  CONFIDANTE  175 

"  I  promise,"  said  Rose,  in  her  low,  steadfast 
voice. 

"  I  am  sore  bestead ;  I  am  pressed  on  every 
side.  My  father  is,  you  know,  a  stern  man  and 
accustomed  to  be  obeyed.  He  has  none  but  me, 
and  to  go  against  his  plans,  matured  for  some 
years,  will  vex  him  sorely.  But,  Rose,  when  my 
own  heart  speaks  —  Oh,  I  am  talking  in  enigmas 
—  you  cannot  know  what  I  mean,  and  honor  ties 
my  tongue." 

"  I  guess  more  than  you  think,"  whispered  Rose, 
as  she  saw  a  brilliant  flush  dye  the  fair  face. 

Geraldine  hurried  on  as  the  horses  came  nearer. 
"  Roy  thinks  he  has  cause  to  despise  me,  alas !  I 
must  leave  my  vindication  to  time"  -  Jumbo 
stood  at  her  elbow,  and  in  a  second  Geraldine  was 
in  her  saddle.  But  she  bent  down  for  a  parting 
kiss,  and  as  she  gave  it,  she  breathed  softly  in 
Rose's  ear,  "  Tell  Roy  to  trust  me  still,"  and  was 
off  before  Rose  could  answer. 

As  Geraldine  galloped  back  down  the  avenue 
to  the  main  road  she  felt  a  throb  of  hope.  But 
would  Roy  understand  ;  could  he  be  so  blind  as  not 
to  know  that  her  apparently  cruel  speech  of  the 
night  before  was  said  for  Tarle ton's  ears,  because 
she  knew  he  was  close  enough  to  catch  her  words, 
and  that  the  knowledge  that  Roy  had  been  and 
still  was  her  lover  was  sufficient  to  transform  him 
from  vague  suspicion  to  unrelenting  enmity  ?  Oh, 
luckless  fate,  for  her  coldness  had  apparently  pre 
cipitated  all  she  had  tried  to  avoid  ! 


176  A  PRETTY  TORY 

Jumbo  and  she  turned  out  of  the  avenue  and 
were  proceeding  at  a  moderate  pace  toward  Glen- 
moira  when  they  caught  the  sound  of  horse's  feet 
coming  rapidly  behind  them,  and  looking  back 
Geraldine  saw  Tarleton  riding  after  her.  Her  first 
feeling  was  one  of  thankfulness  that  he  had  not 
chanced  to  encounter  her  as  she  came  out  from 
Dumblane,  her  next  was  to  steady  her  nerves,  and 
determine  that  he  should  be  kept  at  arm's  length 
in  his  suit  by  whatever  device  might  come  to  her. 

"  A  bright  morning  after  our  festivities,"  he 
said,  sweeping  her  a  graceful  salute  with  his 
plumed  hat,  for  Tarleton  always  rode  faultlessly 
attired,  and  his  grace  and  ease  were  part  of  his 
fascinating  manner  to  women  ;  "  you  look  as  fresh 
as  the  day  itself.  I  waited,  hoping  to  have  the 
honor  of  being  your  escort  back  to  the  plantation, 
as  Colonel  Moncriff e  told  me  he  should  be  detained, 
but  when  I  returned  from  a  necessary  errand  they 
told  me  you  had  taken  horse." 

"  Yes,  riding  seemed  preferable  to  driving. 
After  dancing  it  was  ever  my  aunt's  custom  in 
London  to  bid  me  go  for  a  gallop." 

"  I  have  not  yet  had  opportunity  to  ask  how 
you  enjoyed  your  ball.  Indeed  I  was  so  annoyed 
by  my  enforced  absence  when  in  pursuit  of  that 
insolent  rebel  that  I  scarce  had  my  wits  about  me 
for  the  remainder  of  the  evening." 

"You  could  hardly  have  been  more  annoyed 
than  I,"  said  Geraldine  coldly. 

"  Annoyed !  "  he  began  eagerly ;  then  glancing 


THE  ROLE  OF  CONFIDANTE  177 

at  her  still,  proud  face,  he  changed  his  tone.  "  Do 
you  mean  that  you  did  me  the  grace  to  miss  me, 
or  have  I  had  the  great  misfortune  to  annoy  you  ?  " 

"  Surely  Colonel  Tarleton  can  hardly  consider 
that  he  complimented  me  by  making  me  the  object 
of  a  broil  —  a  hand-to-hand  combat !  We  are  now 
affording  the  gossips  of  Savannah  a  fruitful  topic, 
no  doubt." 

"  But,  madam,"  cried  Tarleton,  hi  absolute  dis 
may,  as  the  red  blood  rushed  into  his  face,  "  you 
are  surely  aware  that  I  was  subjected  to  the  igno 
miny  of  a  blow,  —  I,  Banastre  Tarleton,  —  and 
that  instant  satisfaction  was  imperative.  Permit 
me  to  remind  you  that  I  came  to  your  rescue  as 
well,  from  importunities  that  seemed  to  offend 
you." 

"  I  am  quite  able  to  defend  myself,  sir,"  said 
his  tormentor,  "  't  is  the  publicity  of  the  affair  that 
distracts  me.  How  could  you  bring  me  into  such 
unenviable  notoriety  ?  "  and  Geraldine  turned  her 
beautiful  eyes  reproachfully  upon  him,  thereby 
completing  his  bewilderment. 

"  Do  you  mean  that  I  should  again  have  per 
mitted  that  insolent  rebel  to  make  his  escape  with 
out  endeavor  to  stay  him  ?  He  is  hardly  worth 
the  discussion  between  you  and  me,  but  if  he  is 
the  cause  of  your  coldness  to  me  this  morning,  I 
can  find  it  in  my  heart  to  hate  him  even  more  than 
before.  Let  him  look  to  himself  when  next  he 
meets  Tarleton,"  and  he  smothered  the  oath  that 
came  readily  to  his  lips.  "  Forgive  me ;  I  have 


178  A  PRETTY  TORY 

startled  you,  and  let  me  make  my  peace,  or  this 
will  be  the  most  wretched  day  of  my  existence." 

"  Then  let  it  pass,"  said  Geraldine  gently,  and 
having  thus  reduced  the  hitherto  invincible  Tarle- 
ton  to  abject  despair,  she  allowed  him  to  dismount 
her  as  they  drew  up  their  horses  before  the  door 
of  Glenmoira. 


CHAPTER  XIV 

UNDER  WHICH  COLORS 

COLONEL  MONCRIFFE  sat  in  his  library,  turning 
over  a  pile  of  papers  with  hasty  hand  and  frowning 
brow.  His  was  usually  a  calm,  almost  stern  de 
meanor,  but  it  was  very  evident  that  something 
had  occurred  to  ruffle  him,  for  after  reading  the 
same  letter  thrice  in  succession,  he  threw  it  from 
him,  and  leaning  forward  touched  the  hammer  of  a 
gong  upon  his  table  sharply.  Jupiter,  whose  duty 
it  was  to  answer  the  colonel's  summons,  came  with 
sufficient  speed  only  to  find  his  master  in  the  act 
of  ringing  the  second  time  almost  before  the  first 
call  had  died  away. 

"  Tell  your  mistress  I  desire  her  to  come  to  me 
at  once,"  and  Jupiter  vanished  before  what  he  felt 
was  a  coming  storm  ;  or,  as  he  expressed  it  to  Mar- 
got,  to  whom  he  delivered  the  message,  "  Marse 
been  takin'  counsel  wif  de  debbil,  suah  ;  bes'  not 
keep  him  waitin'.  "  Which  translated  by  Margot 
reached  Geraldine  as,  "  The  colonel  's  in  the 
library,  my  leddy,  an'  somewhat  warm  ;  ye  '11  be 
needin'  a'  your  coolness,  so  dinna  fash  yoursel'. " 

Geraldine's  color  mounted,  and  there  was  a 
sparkle  in  her  blue  eyes  which  told  of  high  courage 


180  A  PRETTY  TORY 

as  she  went  swiftly  along  the  gallery.  She  was 
aware  that  Tarleton  and  her  father  had  been 
closeted  for  more  than  an  hour,  and  that  in  all 
probability  she  could  no  longer  postpone  a  decision 
of  some  sort  as  regarded  his  pretensions. 

"You  sent  for  me,  father,"  she  said  softly,  as 
closing  the  door  she  entered  his  presence.  And 
then  she  sat  down  calmly  in  a  high-backed,  carved 
chair,  and  awaited  the  storm. 

Nothing  could  have  been  so  disconcerting  as 
this,  and  Colonel  Moncriffe  bit  his  lip,  and  began 
the  conversation  in  far  more  moderate  tones  than 
he  had  intended.  This  was  not  the  child  who  had 
left  him  three  years  before,  whom  he  could  control 
by  a  frown  or  a  sharply  spoken  word,  but  a  woman 
with  self-possession  that  equaled  if  it  did  not  exceed 
his  own.  "  I  have  somewhat  to  say  to  you,  my 
daughter,  in  continuation  of  the  subject  I  broached 
soon  after  your  return.  I  then  laid  before  you  a 
plan  —  the  dearest  of  my  life,  I  think  —  which 
involves  your  future  and  I  may  add  your  happi 
ness.  I  have  made  this  province  my  abode ;  here 
I  met  my  life's  sorrow,  the  loss  of  your  mother, 
and  three  charming  boy  infants,  who  might  have 
lived  to  become  the  prop  of  my  declining  years. 
Alas  !  death  has  left  me  but  you  —  and  on  you 
depends  my  future  to  a  greater  extent  than  per 
haps  you  can  understand."  His  voice  trembled, 
he  was  a  consummate  actor,  and  he  was  playing 
his  role  to  win,  —  the  stakes  being  a  child's  happi 
ness  or  misery  versus  his  own  comfort  and  good 


UNDER  WHICH  COLORS  181 

name.  It  must  be  confessed  that  Geraldine  had 
never  regarded  her  father,  a  man  in  the  very  prime 
of  life,  as  in  immediate  need  of  a  prop  of  any  kind, 
and  she  surveyed  him  with  a  look  of  bewilderment 
which  he  interpreted  in  his  own  way. 

"  You  doubtless  are  aware  that  Colonel  Tarle- 
ton  has  fallen  monstrously  in  love  with  you  —  a 
climax  which,  though  I  hoped  for,  I  did  not  con 
sider  necessary,  as  experience  has  taught  me  that 
matrimonial  connections  are  happier  when  formed 
with  good  judgment  and  regard  than  those  of 
highly  wrought  passion.  But  this  is  immaterial ; 
may  I  ask  your  feeling  toward  your  suitor?  I 
trust  you  have  arrived  at  a  point  where  the  ques 
tion  is  not  premature." 

"  Most  assuredly  not,  but  it  is  unfortunate  that 
Colonel  Tarleton  has  conceived  such  violent  ad 
miration  for  me,  as,  save  for  his  handsome  looks 
and  fine  manners,  he  does  not  appeal  to  me  in  the 
least." 

"  Geraldine  !  "  Her  father's  voice  deepened 
ominously,  and  she  braced  herself  again  as  she 
recognized  it.  "  Surely  you  are  not  mawkish 
enough  to  desire  to  fall  in  love  with  a  husband  ?  " 

"  I  confess  to  a  prejudice  in  favor  of  that  emo 
tion,"  she  said.  "  Father,  I  am  by  no  means  ready 
to  marry  any  one.  Colonel  Tarleton,  I  am  aware, 
does  me  much  honor.  Coming  from  England, 
from  scores  of  titled  beauties  whom  Lady  Dolly 
assures  me  have  smiled  upon  him  in  vain,  he  seeks 
an  American  with  whom  he  has  not  one  thought 


182  A  PRETTY  TORY 

in  common.  You  sent  me  to  England  to  be 
educated,  to  learn  English  ways,  English  ideas, 
and  (I  now  understand)  to  many  an  Englishman. 
I  may  have  acquired  the  way,  the  manner  of  a 
court,  but  deep  down  in  my  heart  I  am  every  inch 
an  American."  She  paused,  hef  color  rose,  and 
she  went  on  more  rapidly.  "  Dear  father,  now 
that  I  have  come  home,  I  realize  what  the  ever- 
recurring  want  has  been  during  my  life  in  Eng 
land.  In  Scotland  I  had  the  home-feeling  more, 
for  I  love  my  clan,  and  the  tales  of  my  gallant 
ancestors  found  a  responsive  throb  in  my  heart  each 
time  I  heard  them.  But  here,  ah,  here,  where  I 
was  born,  is  the  sole  spot  on  earth  where  I  can  be 
happy,  and  I  know  now  that  the  ambitions  and 
glitter  of  a  court  can  never,  never  satisfy  me. 
Thank  Colonel  Tarleton  for  the  distinguished 
honor  he  has  paid  me,  but  let  me  stay  here  and  live 
and  die  in  my  own  beautiful  land  of  the  South." 

As  Geraldine's  voice  rang  out  with  its  pathetic 
pleading  her  father's  face  changed  from  surprise  to 
fury,  and  when  she  ceased  he  was  absolutely  livid. 

"  So,  girl,"  he  said  under  his  breath,  "  you  are 
an  American  ;  are  you  likewise  a  rebel  —  or  a  pa 
triot,  as  their  jargon  has  it?  for  your  high-flown 
sentiments  need  go  but  one  step  farther  to  make 
you  discard  the  colors  of  the  king." 

"  Father !  " 

"Ay,  and  perhaps  you  are  making  ready  to 
take  it.  That  I  should  live  to  hear  my  daughter's 
proud  name  linked  with  an  outlaw-raider!  'Tis 


UNDER   WHICH   COLORS  183 

common  gossip  in  the  city  how  at  the  governor's 
fete  a  duel  was  fought  for  your  hand  " — 

"  Stop !  "  The  tone  was  haughty  and  inflexible 
as  his  own.  "  I  can  guard  and  protect  my  own 
dignity  even  when  my  father  stoops  to  use  such 
language  to  his  child." 

Moncriffe  gasped  for  breath,  and  for  a  moment 
Geraldine  thought  he  would  raise  his  hand  and 
strike  her.  There  was  not  a  sound  except  his 
labored  breathing,  and  a  sensation  of  terror  crept 
over  the  girl,  as  she  watched  him  until  the  spasm 
of  fury  passed.  When  he  finally  spoke  he  had 
regained  his  color,  and  something  of  his  usual 
manner. 

"  In  my  anger,  drawn  forth  by  your  contu 
macious  behavior,  I  have  said  more  than  I  should," 
he  continued,  with  cold,  but  stately  courtesy.  "  I 
withdraw  the  epithet  I  used,  but  I  have  now  to  lay 
my  commands  upon  you.  This  match  with  Colonel 
Tarleton  has  the  sanction  of  his  father  as  well  as 
yours;  you  will  accept  him,  and  when  the  time 
arrives  go  with  him  to  the  altar." 

"  Never !  "  Geraldine  sprang  from  her  seat  as 
she  spoke,  but  suddenly,  before  she  could  utter 
another  syllable,  her  father  stretched  out  both 
hands  towards  her,  tears  actually  streaming  down 
his  face. 

"  Geraldine,  my  child,"  he  cried  in  a  voice  of 
agony,  "  forbear !  Take  time,  put  him  to  the  test ; 
ask  any  terms  you  please  —  but  do  not  deprive  me 
of  life  itself  by  disobeying  my  request." 


184  A  PRETTY  TORY 

Bewildered,  alarmed,  with  an  undefinable  sense 
of  some  mystery  that  she  could  not  penetrate, 
Geraldine  paused,  her  eyes  filled  with  terror. 
Could  she  but  have  read  a  letter  hidden  beneath 
that  pile  of  papers  on  the  desk  before  her,  she 
would  have  appreciated  the  cleverness  of  the  act 
ing  whose  real  motive  was  selfish,  calculating  con 
cern  for  his  own  ends  and  purposes  alone. 

"  Father,  I  do  not  understand  your  meaning. 
How  can  I  promise  to  do  what  I  never  intend  to 
perform  ?  Would  you  counsel  me  to  put  such  an 
insult  upon  Colonel  Tarleton  as  to  pretend  that  I 
will  bestow  my  hand  upon  him,  and  then  with 
draw?" 

"  No,  no,"  he  cried  still  wildly,  as  he  thought  he 
perceived  that  it  was  possible  to  carry  his  point, 
"  not  that,  but  women  have  been  known  to  change 
their  minds,  and  "- 

"  What  would  you  have  me  do  ? "  Still  the 
sense  of  alarm  was  strong  within  her ;  she  could 
not  account  for  it. 

"  Only  this,"  he  took  her  hand  and  pressed  it 
fondly ;  "  say  to  him  that  you  will  consider  the 
matter,  but  there  shall  be  no  haste,  that  you  do  not 
know  your  own  heart  " — 

"  Alas,  I  read  it  but  too  well,"  murmured  Geral 
dine  to  herself,  but  she  answered,  "  If  Colonel 
Tarleton  be  willing  to  take  such  reply  in  all 
earnestness  " — 

"  He  is  here  to  make  answer  for  himself,"  said 
Moncriffe,  rising  suddenly  and  throwing  open  the 


UNDER  WHICH  COLORS  185 

door  of  his  private  cabinet,  where  Tarleton  had 
been  concealed  during  the  entire  interview, 
although  out  of  hearing.  "  I  will  not  anticipate 
him." 

"  Then,  mistress  of  Tarleton's  heart,  you  will 
grant  my  prayer  and  make  me  the  happiest  of 
men,"  cried  Tarleton,  advancing  toward  her,  and 
at  the  same  moment  bestowing  a  private  maledic 
tion  upon  Moncriffe  for  remaining  as  witness  to 
the  interview,  which  indeed,  for  special  reasons  of 
his  own,  that  personage  did  not  dare  to  have  tran 
spire  except  hi  his  presence. 

"Nay,  you  would  be  of  all  men  most  miser 
able  were  I  to  consent  at  present,"  said  Geraldine, 
now  fully  convinced  that  there  was  something 
beneath  the  surface,  and  that  for  the  moment  she 
had  best  appear  to  yield,  "  but  as  I  have  told  you 
already,  I  desire  time,  and,  at  some  later  day, 
perhaps"-  And  then  while  Tarleton  fell  to 
kissing  her  hand  with  rapturous  thanks,  and  her 
father  raised  his  eyes  to  Heaven  in  hypocritical 
gratitude,  Geraldine  was  saying  to  herself,  "  Oh, 
Eoy,  Roy,  forgive  me  for  the  subterfuge,"  and 
presently  excused  herself,  and  with  outward  calm 
ness,  but  inward  tumult,  went  quietly  back  to  her 
own  room,  leaving  the  two  men  together. 

"Faith,"  said  Tarleton,  flinging  himself  on  a 
chair,  "  you  are  a  man  of  your  word.  Leave  the 
rest  to  me,  sir ;  I  can  usually  bend  a  woman's  will 
to  mine." 

"  Whether  you  do  or  not,  my  word  is  pledged," 


186  A  PRETTY  TORY 

returned  Moncriffe  grimly,  thinking  how  he  would 
destroy  that  letter  the  moment  he  was  free  to 
do  so. 

Margot,  going  into  her  young  mistress's  cham 
ber  a  little  later,  found  her  sobbing  bitterly  with 
her  face  pressed  against  the  pillows  of  her  bed. 

"  My  bairn,  my  bairn,"  cried  the  Scotchwoman, 
"  whatever  has  befallen  ye  ?  Dinna  greet ;  there  '11 
be  happier  days  to  come." 

"  Not  for  me,  perhaps,"  said  Geraldine  despair 
ingly,  "but  come  what  may,  Margot,  one  thing  is 
sure.  From  this  day  forth  I  wear  the  rebel  blue, 
and  God  save  the  cause  of  freedom !  " 

"  I  knew  it  wad  come,  sooner  or  later,"  said 
Margot ;  "  't  is  the  bluid  —  your  mither's  bluid 
whilk  comes  bounding  in  your  veins.  Ah,  diuna 
I  tell  ye  that  Maister  Roy  "- 

"  Hush !  do  not  name  him  now,  for  my  heart  is 
torn.  Listen,  Margot,"  and  she  related  her  inter 
view  with  her  father,  and  its  result. 

"  An'  did  he  greet,  an'  ca'  on  Heaven,  and 
fright  ye  sair  ?  Ah,  the  villain  ;  forgie  me,  my 
leddy,  but  I  hae  seen  him  do  the  self-same  trick 
wi'  your  mither,  and  I  ken  weel  his  ways." 

"  Margot,  what  do  you  mean  ?  Tell  me,  I  im 
plore  you." 

"  Not  noo  ;  the  time  's  not  ripe,  but  bide  a  wee, 
an'  some  day  I  '11  tell  ye  a'."  And  with  that  as 
surance  Geraldine  dried  her  eyes,  and  rose  to  dress 
for  supper,  for  in  the  days  of  our  grandmothers, 
as  now  in  ours,  they  hid  their  heartaches  under 


UNDER  WHICH  COLORS  187 

laughter  and  smiles,  and  quenched  their  tears  with 
a  repartee. 

Margot  was  standing  in  the  servants'  quarters 
some  two  hours  later,  giving  out  supplies  from  the 
storeroom,  when  she  heard  the  trooper,  Burt,  come 
whistling  softly  along  the  corridor. 

"  Is  that  you,  Mistress  Margot  ?  "  said  he,  stop 
ping  to  survey  the  row  of  shining  black  faces, 
which  smiled  back  at  him  good-humoredly,  for 
Tarleton's  orderly  had  made  himself  very  popular 
among  the  dusky  part  of  the  household  during  his 
stay  on  the  plantation.  "  Sugar  and  coffee,  too ; 
you'll  grow  fat  on  such  liberal  provision,  Aunt 
Venus." 

"  'T  ain't  likely,"  retorted  the  goddess  of  the 
kitchen,  surveying  her  portly  person  with  satis 
faction  ;  "  reckon  dis  chile  'bout  reached  de  line  fer 
her  time  ob  life,  an'  she  's  boun'  to  keep  it,  ef  so 
be  yo'  don'  hab  no  mo'  battles  an'  raidin'  roun'  dis 
yere  plantation  to  skeer  de  life  outen  us.  De 
Lawd  knows  I  ain't  lackin'  fer  hospertalerty,  but 
de  sooner  we  sees  de  backs  ob  soldiers,  raidcoats  or 
green,  it  don'  matter  which,  de  sweeter  will  be 
sleep  an'  res'  fer  Venus." 

Burt  laughed,  as  the  line  of  blacks  trooped  away, 
Aunt  Venus  leading  them,  and  then  he  turned 
toward  Margot  with  a  change  of  face.  "  I  have 
somewhat  to  say  to  you,"  he  said  under  his  breath  ; 
"  come  outside  for  a  moment ;  I  distrust  brick 
walls,"  and  Margot,  comprehending,  motioned 
him  to  go  before  her,  and  then  followed  him  back 


188  A  PRETTY  TORY 

of  the  quarters,  where  they  stopped  under  a  myrtle 
tree. 

"  I  have  something  here  for  your  mistress,  which 
came  to  my  hand  from  a  Dutch  boy  who  was  riding 
a  horse  I  happened  to  know.  Use  care,  Mistress 
Margot,"  and  he  pressed  a  scrap  of  paper  into  her 
hand,  and  walked  off  whistling  in  the  direction  of 
the  stables. 

Margot  looked  down  dubiously  at  it,  as  she  pro 
ceeded  back  up  the  staircase.  "  "Will  it  hurt  or 
please  her  ?  "  she  thought.  "  I  dinna  ken  the  ways 
o'  these  young  sweethearts  ;  ane  day  cruel,  ane  day 
kind.  But  perhaps  't  will  set  her  mind  at  rest 
ane  way  or  t'ither." 

What  would  sage  old  Margot  have  said  had  she 
read  the  few  unsigned  words  on  that  soiled  bit  of 
paper,  which  her  young  mistress  held  in  her  hand 
that  night  as  she  fell  into  sweeter  sleep  than  had  yet 
visited  her  eyes  ?  For  the  writing,  in  a  hurried, 
cramped  hand,  ran :  "  I  have  penetrated  your 
ruse  ;  courage,  till  we  meet  again." 


CHAPTER  XV 

ON  THE  TRAIL  OF  THE  SWAMP  FOX 

IT  was  the  close  of  a  hot  August  day,  and  the 
Southern  night,  which  always  falls  more  swiftly 
than  in  Northern  latitudes,  was  softly  obscuring  the 
landscape  not  far  from  where  the  Santee  River 
wound  its  way.  In  the  dim  light  one  could  still 
distinguish  groups  of  men,  horses,  and  a  train  of 
baggage-wagons  with  mules  tied  near  them,  while 
here  and  there  was  the  light  of  a  campfire  where 
the  men  were  cooking  fish  and  making  coffee.  The 
command  was  of  goodly  size,  composed  of  Georgia 
loyalists  and  Tarleton's  legion,  and  for  several 
months  they  had  been  engaged  in  scouring  the 
country  in  search  of  Marion,  who,  having  scored  a 
brilliant  victory  over  Frazier  at  Parker's  Ferry, 
was  now  engaged  in  harrying  Tarleton,  often 
marching,  mounted  on  the  fleet  horses  which  the 
patriots  brought  to  his  aid,  sixty  miles  between 
sundown  and  daybreak,  striking  blows  now  here, 
now  there,  until  the  British  began  to  regard  the 
Swamp  Fox  with  nameless  terror  as  a  mysterious 
foe,  who  was  always  at  hand  when  least  expected, 
with  his  terrible  shout  and  overwhelming  charge. 
In  short,  no  romance  of  the  Middle  Ages  excelled 


190  A  PRETTY  TORY 

this  partisan  warfare,  which,  on  account  of  the 
cruelties  employed  by  the  British  after  the  occu 
pation  of  Charleston  and  Savannah,  was  conducted 
with  far  more  bitterness  and  revenge  than  any 
other  part  of  the  war  of  independence. 

In  his  tent,  with  Halleck  and  several  other 
officers,  sat  Tarleton,  resting  after  many  hours 
spent  in  the  saddle,  for  having  received  what  ap 
peared  to  him  reliable  information,  he  had  made 
a  forced  march  from  the  Black  River,  where  he 
had  encamped  the  day  before,  to  his  present  po 
sition.  His  camp  chest  was  open,  and  Burt  had 
just  fetched  fresh  bottles  of  wine  from  the  sutler's 
cart,  but  though  jest  and  mirth  filled  the  tent, 
Tarleton's  brow  was  moody  and  his  air  impatient. 

"  That  innocent,  stupid-looking  lout  whom  we 
found  on  the  river-bank  had  an  eye  for  a  comfort 
able  camping-ground,"  said  Halleck,  leaning  over 
as  Tarleton  refilled  his  glass  in  silence. 

"  Ay,  but  I  am  not  so  sure  of  its  safety," 
muttered  his  friend,  "  therefore  I  took  the  pre 
caution  to  ride  fully  a  mile  further  than  he  indi 
cated.  These  pestilent  Whigs  have  a  way  of 
transforming  themselves  from  soldiers  into  peace 
ful-looking  husbandmen  in  a  fashion  that  I  believe 
they  borrow  from  the  devil  himself.  Do  you  re 
collect  the  farmer  on  the  Pedee  River  ?  " 

"  Who  almost  led  us  into  ambush  ?  Ay,  but 
his  punishment  was  swift  and  sure." 

"  I  made  certain  of  that,"  replied  Tarleton 
grimly,  "  for  I  gave  the  thrust  with  my  own  hand ; 


ON  THE  TRAIL  OF  THE  SWAMP  FOX    191 

he  did  not  need  a  second.  Gascoigne,"  addressing 
a  young  officer  of  the  group,  "  see  that  the  sentries 
are  placed  close  along  the  line  of  approach  from 
the  river  ;  I  am  somewhat  uneasy  to-night." 

"  Yes,  colonel,"  said  the  man  addressed,  salut 
ing,  as  he  cast  an  unconscious  glance  of  regret 
toward  the  glass  he  set  down  unemptied. 

"  And  return,  Gascoigne ;  we  need  you  to  reduce 
this  bottle,"  said  Tarleton,  more  good-hum oredly, 
with  that  comradeship  which  made  him  a  favorite 
with  his  friends  and  those  thrown  in  close  compan 
ionship  with  him. 

"  Tarleton,"  said  Halleck  in  a  low  voice,  as  the 
others  continued  the  discussion  for  a  moment  in 
terrupted,  "  what  news  did  Burt  fetch  you  ?  I 
knew,  or  rather  guessed,  what  his  three  days'  ab 
sence  from  the  command  probably  meant,  but  from 
your  careworn  brow  I  fear  he  brought  you  some 
what  of  ill-tidings." 

"  You  are  right ;  affairs  at  Glenmoira  do  not 
appear  to  progress ;  in  fact  I  think  the  lady  grows 
more  cold  each  time  I  receive  a  missive  —  if  indeed 
I  be  so  fortunate  as  to  have  reply  to  mine,  which 
is  not  always.  Halleck,  I  sometimes  think  I  am 
indeed  bewitched,  for  the  less  my  passion  has  to 
thrive  upon,  the  more  mad  it  grows." 

Halleck  eyed  him  for  a  moment  with  a  half- 
whimsical  smile.  "  'T  is  opposition  which  feeds 
the  flame ;  your  conquests  have  been  all  too  easy 
heretofore,  man.  And  then,  I  grant  you,  Mistress 
Moncriffe  is  wondrous  beautiful,  and  possesses  a 
charm  all  her  own  of  sweet  graciousness." 


192  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  And  playfulness,  and  humor,  and  wit  —  oh, 
ay,  I  can  run  the  gamut  of  all  her  witcheries,  I 
promise  you.  But  for  me,  Halleck,  she  cares  as 
little  as  the  thistledown  that  the  wind  wafts  across 
her  path." 

"  Then  why  pursue  the  affair  further  ?  There 
be  others  " 

"  No,"  cried  Tarleton  impetuously,  "  to  me 
there  is  but  the  one  woman  in  the  universe." 

"  To-day,  —  but  to-morrow  —  ?  "  Halleck  hes 
itated,  for  he  saw  the  spark  of  anger  light  Tarle- 
ton's  dark  eyes. 

"  I  tell  you,"  he  said  in  accents  of  concentrated 
passion,  "  not  all  the  powers  of  this  world  or  the 
next  can  change  my  purpose.  I  care  not  whether 
she  comes  to  my  arms  a  willing  bride  or  no  — 
possess  her  I  will,  or  "  — 

Out  on  the  still  night  air  there  rang  a  sudden 
shot,  followed  by  a  distant  shout,  which  was  re 
peated  from  sentry  to  sentry.  Tarleton  sprang  to 
his  feet  and  snatched  his  sword  from  the  spot 
where  he  had  flung  it  down,  and  in  a  second  the 
party  were  outside  the  tent,  where  they  were  met 
by  Gascoigne. 

"  The  shot  came  from  the  sentry  furthest  west," 
said  he.  "  Hark  !  the  picket-guard  are  advancing 
this  way,"  and  through  the  bushes  came  a  line  of 
soldiers  with  some  one  in  their  midst. 

"  A  prisoner,"  cried  Tarleton  eagerly,  his  eyes 
beginning  to  sparkle  with  the  excitement  of  coming 
strife.  The  group  of  officers  peered  intently  into 


the  gloom,  as  the  guard  filed  in  sight,  and  the 
corporal,  saluting,  pressed  forward. 

"  I  have  to  report  a  prisoner,  sir,  who  endeav 
ored  to  land  and  cross  our  lines  from  a  canoe  which 
she  had  evidently  paddled  down  the  river"  — 

"  She  !  "  echoed  Tarleton,  as  the  slim,  straight 
figure  of  an  Indian  girl  stepped  forward  with  a 
trooper  on  either  side.  "  Whom  have  we  here  ? 
Bring  her  inside  my  tent,"  and  he  walked  leisurely 
back,  signing  Halleck  to  accompany  him.  Enter 
ing,  he  took  a  pine  torch,  and  cast  its  light  full 
upon  the  girl,  who  stood  unmoved  beneath  his 
scrutiny. 

"  My  princess  of  the  woods !  "  cried  Tarleton, 
suddenly  recognizing  Laceola.  "  By  gad,  Halleck, 
she  has  wandered  far  to  find  me  this  time.  Search 
her,"  to  the  guard,  "  and  be  sure  she  has  no 
weapons." 

"  Apparently  none,  sir,"  said  the  soldier,  while 
Burt  came  forward  and  stood  behind  her,  obedient 
to  a  sign  from  Tarleton  ;  "  there  was  a  pistol  hi  her 
belt  which  the  sentry  secured.  That  was  the  shot 
you  heard  ;  she  was  trying  to  escape." 

"  You  may  go,"  said  Tarleton  after  a  pause,  dur 
ing  which  he  eyed  Laceola  intently,  and  the  guard 
left  the  tent.  The  flickering  light  of  the  pine 
torch  fell  aslant  the  girl's  face,  but  she  might  have 
been  a  statue  save  for  her  breathing,  so  motionless 
was  she,  as  she  stood,  her  haughty  eyes  looking 
beyond  the  inmates  of  the  tent,  in  silence. 

"  What  brings  you  here  ? "  asked  Tarleton, 
breaking  the  stillness  sharply. 


194  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  The  redcoat  soldiers  dragged  Laceola ;  she 
hod  no  wish  to  come." 

"  Answer  iny  question ;  what  brought  you  on 
the  river  ?  " 

"  Laceola  goes  on  her  way  toward  the  setting 
sun.  Her  home  is  beyond  the  Great  River  ;  let 
her  return  undisturbed  to  her  people." 

"  Not  until  I  am  satisfied  that  you  are  not  a 
spy ;  have  you  not  been  with  Marion's  forces  ?  " 

"  The  lair  of  the  Swamp  Fox  is  many  miles  away 
on  an  island  where  there  are  no  bridges  for  the 
redcoats  to  cross,"  said  Laceola  contemptuously. 

"  Can  you  direct  us  on  the  trail  ?  If  we  can 
but  locate  the  spot,  girl,  I  will  reward  you  well." 

"  Laceola's  eyes  are  keen,  but  she  cannot  see  far 
enough  to  show  the  road  to  the  soldiers  of  the 
king." 

"  In  other  words,  you  will  not.  Beware,  I  am 
not  to  be  trifled  with,  and  I  do  not  choose  to  hold 
prisoners."  It  did  not  need  the  deadly  menace  of 
his  tone  to  convey  his  meaning,  for  his  sinister 
glance  was  interpreted  both  by  the  Indian  girl  and 
Halleck,  and  the  latter  said  hastily  under  his 
breath  :  "  Better  powwow,  Tarleton  ;  you  may 
persuade,  but  I  fear  you  cannot  drive  this  piece  of 
femininity.  Let  me  try." 

Something  in  the  girl's  fearless  eye  made  Tarle 
ton  pause,  and  Halleck  addressed  her  in  softer 
voice.  "  Has  Laceola  seen  the  Swamp  Fox  this 
moon  ?  Does  he  ride  with  many  men  ?  " 

"  Some  days  many,  some  days  few.     Did   not 


ON  THE  TRAIL  OF  THE  SWAMP  FOX    195 

the  redcoats  find  him  on  the  banks  of  the  Pe- 
dee?" 

"  Ay,  curse  you  !  "  cried  Tarleton,  stung  by  the 
reference,  "  't  is  useless  parleying  with  the  jade 
longer.  We  could  not  trust  her  even  as  guide, 
and  she  might  lead  us  into  ambush.  Oh,  could  I 
but  capture  this  wily  Marion  —  hark !  more  trouble 
along  the  line,"  for  a  rushing,  murmuring  sound 
came  on  the  wind.  "  See  to  it  that  the  girl  does 
not  elude  you  this  time,  Burt.  What 's  that  ? 
Good  God !  the  enemy  !  " 

Well  might  Tarleton  shout  "  To  horse  !  "  as  he 
tore  out  of  the  tent,  followed  by  Halleck,  for  on 
his  left  and  in  his  rear  were  dashing  lines  of  riders 
led  by  the  invincible  Marion  himself,  and  out 
above  the  clash  and  din,  as  the  surprised  British 
endeavored  to  rally  and  charge,  came  the  hoarse 
battle-cry  of  the  patriots,  — 

"  No  quarter  for  Tories  !  Remember  Waxhaw 
Creek!" 

Laceola  laid  her  hand  on  Burt's  arm,  as  he 
sprang  to  follow  Tarleton.  "  Laceola's  shot  was 
the  signal  to  the  Swamp  Fox,"  she  whispered 
breathlessly.  "  He  had  been  watching  for  the 
British  from  yonder  morass  since  morning,  and 
Laceola  paddled  her  canoe  softly  down  the  river 
till  she  came  where  the  sentry  stood.  Bounding 
Elk  said  Laceola  must  speak  soft  words  until  she 
heard  the  horses'  hoofs  rush  from  behind." 

"  By  heavens,  girl,  you  did  your  trick  well ! 
I  '11  not  detain  you,"  and  extinguishing  the  pine 


196  A  PRETTY  TORY 

torch  he  rushed  out  into  the  fight  followed  by  the 
Indian  girl. 

Outside  was  wild  tumult  and  confusion ;  the 
deadly  ring  of  the  sharpshooters'  bullets,  the  rifle 
volleys,  shouts,  shrieks,  and  groans,  as  horses  and 
men  went  down  before  that  wild  charge  of  Marion's 
men.  Frequently  had  that  redoubtable  leader  at 
tacked  the  enemy  at  night,  and  it  was  said  that  the 
patriots  as  well  as  their  trusty  beasts  could  see  as 
clearly  by  night  as  by  day,  and  this  added  to  the 
terror  which  they  inspired.  In  vain  did  Tarleton 
and  Halleck,  with  scores  of  pther  officers,  try  to 
rally  their  command ;  the  rout  went  on,  and  sore- 
pressed,  fighting  bravely  in  his  rage  and  mortifi 
cation,  Tarleton  finally  made  good  his  escape  with 
a  handful  of  his  legion,  and  reached  the  banks  of 
the  Edisto  River  as  dawn  broke  over  the  forests.1 

To  Marion  and  his  gallant  band  the  sun  rose 
joyously,  for  beside  as  many  prisoners  as  they  could 
safely  manage  to  carry  with  them,  they  had  cap 
tured  Tarleton's  baggage  train,  and  it  may  be 
readily  imagined  with  what  delight  those  men  who 
had  for  months  subsisted  on  the  most  meagre  diet 
welcomed  a  return  to  food  in  plenty.  And  safely 
ensconced  in  a  friendly  swamp,  which  afforded 
them  ample  concealment  and  means  of  escape  in 
case  of  attack,  they  indulged  in  the  almost  for 
gotten  luxuries  of  sugar,  tea,  coffee,  and  even  pep- 

1  In  this  engagement  at  midnight,  Marion  lost  one  man  killed ; 
the  Tories  were  almost  annihilated.  (Losaing's  Field  Book  of  the 
Revolution.) 


ON  THE   TRAIL  OF  THE   SWAMP  FOX    197 

per,  with  an  appetite  which  threatened  to  make 
large  inroads  into  their  newly  acquired  stores. 

On  the  log  of  a  fallen  live  oak  sat  Boy  Telfair, 
talking  busily  with  McKay,  as  they  ate  their 
breakfast,  with  an  air  of  elation  which  they  had 
fairly  earned  the  right  to  enjoy. 

"  Faith,  Telfair,  those  British  know  how  to  pro 
vide  for  their  comfort,"  said  McKay,  stirring  the 
unwonted  sugar  in  his  pewter  pannikin  of  coffee. 
"  This  is  an  improvement  on  our  herb  tea,  which, 
even  with  a  dash  of  cognac  in  it,  was  hardly  palat 
able." 

"  Ay,  and  the  river  fish  never  tasted  as  good  as 
with  this  sprinkle  of  pepper,"  taking  a  liberal 
pinch  of  that  condiment  from  an  oak  leaf  where 
he  had  bestowed  it.  "  It  gives  one  rather  a  home 
sick  feeling  for  the  nonce,  McKay :  perhaps  't  is 
as  well  for  us  that  we  have  a  few  hardships  in  the 
way  of  subsisting  on  what  we  forage  for  ourselves 
in  the  forest.  'T  is  a  strong,  hardy  life,  and  for 
one,  I  've  grown  to  love  it  well." 

"And  so  have  I,"  returned  McKay  heartily, 
"but  I  hear  rumor  has  it  that  we  are  ordered 
to  join  the  new  general,  Gates,  whom  the  com 
mander  in  chief  has  sent  to  superintend  the  cam 
paign  in  the  South." 

"  Pray  Heaven  he  may  be  a  better  one  than  our 
last.  Who 's  this  coming  over  the  grass  in  our  di 
rection  ?  "  Both  officers  looked  up  to  see  Ossaba,  fol 
lowed  by  Laceola,  approaching  them,  while  from  the 
other  side  came  an  orderly  who  addressed  Telfair. 


198  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  Colonel  Marion  desires  that  Captain  Telfair 
and  Captain  McKay  come  to  him  for  conference 
at  once.  He  is  a  few  yards  to  the  right,  beyond 
the  wagons." 

"  Laceola  will  wait,"  said  the  Indian  girl,  as  Roy 
turned  courteously  towards  her  before  departing  on 
the  errand.  "  Ossaba  and  Laceola  are  to  scout ; 
the  Bounding  Elk  will  hear  the  Swamp  Fox's 
words  and  return,"  and  folding  her  blanket  across 
her  breast  Laceola  seated  herself  calmly  on  the 
ground  as  Telfair  and  McKay  went  hastily  in  re 
sponse  to  Marion's  summons. 

They  found  their  leader  in  full  conclave  with  his 
officers,  and  as  they  approached  he  beckoned  the 
young  men  to  his  side. 

"I  sent  for  you,  gentlemen,  to  thank  you  for 
your  personal  prowess  of  last  night,  and  to  inform 
you  that  I  am  ordered  to  report,  with  such  of  my 
command  as  I  can  gather,  to  General  Gates,  just 
appointed  to  take  the  field  in  the  Carolinas.  I 
shall  therefore  push  on  to  join  him  near  Camden 
with  all  possible  dispatch,  but  I  deem  it  necessary 
that  a  small  force  be  left  to  hang  upon  the  British 
flanks  between  this  and  the  Savannah  River. 
Therefore  I  shall  detach  some  two  hundred  men, 
leaving  you,  Captain  McKay,  in  command,  with 
Telfair  as  your  second,  and  detach  two  of  the 
Indian  scouts  to  accompany  you,  as  they  are  of 
great  service  in  such  duty.  Take  care  of  your 
men,  gentlemen  ;  beware  of  surprises  (except  they 
be  of  your  own  making),  and  remain  upon  this 


ON  THE  TRAIL  OF  THE  SWAMP  FOX    199 

duty  until  further  orders.  The  force  will  be  ready 
to  march  by  sunset.  Farewell,  and  good  fortune 
attend  you  till  we  meet  again,"  and  with  a  warm 
pressure  of  the  hand  and  his  kindly,  almost  affec 
tionate  smile,  Marion  dismissed  them,  and  resumed 
his  conversation  with  his  other  officers. 

McKay  and  Telfair  had  a  busy  day  before  them, 
and  it  was  not  until  it  was  almost  time  to  start 
that  the  latter  found  time  to  speak  to  Laceola,  who 
wandered  to  and  fro,  helping  the  men,  who  wel 
comed  her  warmly,  for  her  good  service  of  the 
night  before  had  been  made  rumor  in  the  camp, 
and  Marion  himself  had  commended  her. 

"  We  move  toward  the  southwest,"  said  Roy, 
"  and  can  easily  reach  the  Edisto  by  the  morning. 
There  is  a  pony  for  you,  Laceola ;  Ossaba  can 
take  the  trail  to-night." 

"  It  must  be  as  the  Bounding  Elk  pleases."  A 
swift  flush  mounted  to  the  girl's  face.  "  Laceola 
can  scout  by  night  or  day.  Is  her  place  in  the 
front  or  the  rear?" 

"  In  the  rear  when  we  start.  Are  you  not 
tired?  Last  night's  skirmish  and  march  were 
heavy  work." 

"  Not  when  the  redcoats  fall  and  flee,"  said  the 
girl  proudly,  "  but  the  chief-who-loves-blood  es 
caped.  Laceola' s  knife  was  ready  and  its  blade  is 
keen ;  he  spoke  bad  words  to  Laceola,  and  she 
does  not  forget."  * 

"  Tar le ton  ?  "  cried  Telfair  amazed.  He  knew 
nothing  of  Laceola's  encounter  with  the  British 


200  A  PRETTY  TORY 

officer,  and  could  imagine  no  cause  for  her  apparent 
hatred. 

"  Laceola  was  his  prisoner  as  he  rode  to  see  the 
palefaced  maiden,  —  the  White  Fawn's  friend,  — 
but  she  escaped.     The  chief-who-loves-blood  kissed 
Laceola  on  the  lips  —  pah !  "  and  her  eyes  blazed 
at  recollection  of  the  insult. 

"  He  did  !  "  The  swift  blood  flew  to  Roy's  face. 
"  The  base  villain,  to  take  advantage  of  your  help 
lessness  !  Would  I  had  been  there  !  " 

A  soft  moisture  wet  Laceola's  eyes  as  she  turned 
them  upon  him.  "  The  Bounding  Elk's  words  are 
good,  they  fall  kindly  upon  Laceola's  ears.  Do 
not  fear ;  Laceola  can  both  shoot  and  strike,"  and 
she  laid  her  hand  on  her  belt  as  she  bent  her  head 
and  glided  swiftly  away,  for  the  men  were  mount 
ing,  and  Roy  turned  his  horse's  head  toward  the 
column,  fuming  inwardly  at  this  fresh  evidence  of 
Tarleton's  profligate  ways. 

The  sun  was  setting  in  a  golden  bank  of  clouds 
as  the  forces  separated,  Roy  and  McKay  with  their 
little  band,  and  Marion  to  j$de  and  join  Gates, 
where  his  ragged  and  ill-clad  soldiers  excited  de 
rision  (to  his  shame  be  it  said)  in  the  new  com 
mander,  and  caused  him  to  mistakenly  imagine 
that  Marion's  men  were  of  small  consequence  as 
a  fighting  factor,  and  for  this  reason,  on  the  eve 
of  the  battle  of  Camden,  Marion  and  Horry  were 
sent  back  on  the  useless  errand  of  destroying 
bridges  behind  the  British  to  prevent  their  escape. 
Thus  Marion's  men  were  saved  to  the  partisan  war- 


ON  THE  TRAIL   OF  THE   SWAMP  FOX    201 

fare ;  a  most  providential  happening  for  the  pro 
vinces  of  South  Carolina  and  Georgia.1 

It  was  almost  the  close  of  the  second  day,  when 
McKay  and  Telfair  drew  rein,  and  advised  the 
men  to  dismount  in  a  glade  which  appeared  as  a 
welcome  relief  to  the  forest  and  undergrowth 
through  which  they  had  been  struggling  for  some 
miles.  But  tempting  though  it  looked  to  the 
weary  riders,  Telf air's  mind  misgave  him,  and  he 
suggested  to  McKay  that  a  certain  piece  of  swamp 
land  some  five  miles  further,  of  which  Ossaba  in 
formed  him,  was  perhaps  a  safer,  though  not  so 
attractive  a  camping-ground  for  the  night.  McKay, 
usually  kindly,  was  chiefly  irascible  when  in  com 
mand,  and  considering  this  somewhat  of  a  reflection 
upon  his  judgment,  sharply  replied  that  five  miles 
further  would  tire  both  horses  and  men  to  no  pur 
pose,  so  Roy  wisely  kept  his  temper  and  said  no 
more.  But  he  was  not  rendered  less  uneasy  by 
seeing  that  Laceola  slipped  from  her  pony,  and 
instead  of  resting  or  coming  to  partake  of  supper, 
disappeared  silently  among  the  trees. 

An  hour  later,  nothing  seeming  to  disturb  the 
quiet  of  the  improvised  camp,  Telfair  began  to 
dismiss  his  distrust  of  the  position,  and  having 
eaten  his  supper,  and  seeing  that  the  men  and 
horses  were  equally  well  supplied,  he  threw  him 
self  on  the  ground  by  McKay  and  resolved  to  keep 
awake  in  the  twilight  if  possible,  and  await  the 
return  of  Laceola.  But  to  resolve  was  one  thing ; 
1  See  contemporaneous  histories. 


202  A  PRETTY  TORY 

tired  nature,  which  rebelled  against  three  consecu 
tive  days  in  the  saddle,  another,  as  Roy  found ;  for 
presently,  to  McKay's  secret  enjoyment,  Telfair 
made  no  answer  to  a  question  put  to  him,  and  look 
ing  around  he  saw  that  his  friend  had  fallen  fast 
asleep,  with  his  head  resting  against  the  trunk  of 
a  tree  under  which  they  sat.  Another  hour,  and 
McKay  was  meditating  upon  following  Roy's  ex 
ample,  when  suddenly  Laceola  came  flying  at  full 
speed  across  the  open  glade,  and  between  the  trees, 
dimly  seen,  were  troopers  in  pursuit. 

"  Mount !  mount !  "  cried  the  girl  as  she  rushed 
past  the  men,  who,  springing  up,  ran  for  their  horses, 
and  with  incredible  swiftness  she  reached  the  spot 
where  Roy's  horse  was  tied.  With  shouts  and 
shots  the  British  were  upon  them,  and  as  Roy 
sprang  to  his  feet  Laceola  thrust  the  reins  in  his 
hand  and  darted  behind  a  tree.  Volley  upon 
volley  from  the  British  followed,  and  the  Ameri 
cans,  rallying  almost  instantly  from  their  surprise, 
stood  bravely  to  their  rifles  and  returned  the  fire, 
but  slowly  and  sullenly  they  were  forced  to  retreat 
into  the  brush  and  down  the  trail  toward  the  river. 
Roy,  fighting  gallantly,  at  last  was  compelled  to 
follow  his  men,  but  as  he  backed  his  horse,  in  the 
act  of  firing,  a  shot  struck  him  in  the  side,  and  he 
fell  headlong  from  the  saddle,  rolling  under  the 
horse.  That  animal  (a  finely  bred  hunter,  in  the 
days  before  Roy  joined  Marion)  stood  still,  and 
Roy  looked  about  him  for  a  chance  of  escape. 
Alas,  it  seemed  but  small,  for  the  British  (a  com- 


ON  THE  TRAIL  OF  THE  SWAMP  FOX    203 

mand,  as  he  afterwards  found,  who  were  marching 
from  Charleston  to  join  Taiieton)  far  outnumbered 
the  Americans,  and  should  he  give  sign  of  life  he 
had  little  doubt  he  would  be  put  to  the  sword,  as 
many  of  the  troopers  had  dismounted,  and  were 
apparently  engaged  in  slaughter.  Suddenly  his 
horse,  already  roused  by  the  gleam  of  steel,  and 
the  whistle  of  bullets  which  still  continued,  began 
to  prick  its  ears  and  show  every  sign  of  excitement ; 
what  if  he  could  cling  to  its  neck  and  so  be  borne 
from  the  fray  ?  The  thought  had  hardly  passed 
through  Roy's  brain,  when  floating  on  the  breeze 
came  the  faint  notes  of  the  American  bugler  sound 
ing  "  retreat."  With  a  supreme  effort  (for  he  was 
beginning  to  feel  the  loss  of  blood  attendant  upon 
his  wound)  Roy  raised  himself  and  flung  both  arms 
around  the  good  beast's  neck  as  the  horse,  with 
ears  erect  and  nostrils  distended,  started  to  gallop 
in  the  direction  of  the  call.  A  leap,  a  bound,  — 
they  were  halfway  across  the  glade,  the  horse 
dashing  with  greater  speed  as  he  passed  over  the 
wounded  who  lay  on  the  ground ;  another  effort, 
heightened  in  its  swiftness  by  shots  from  a  trooper 
who  stood  in  the  path  of  the  now  thoroughly  terri 
fied  animal,  and  with  a  loud  neigh,  as  if  to  answer 
the  call  he  knew  so  well,  the  horse  and  his  master 
dashed  on  through  the  British  ranks,  and  in  a  few 
seconds  more  were  far  beyond  pursuit,  heading  gal 
lantly  for  their  comrades. 

Roy   closed   his    eyes ;    the   excitement   of   his 
strange  rescue   over,  he  began  to  wonder  if  his 


204  A  PRETTY  TORY 

strength  would  hold  out  until  they  could  reach 
his  retreating  command.  Fainter  and  fainter  he 
grew ;  he  tried  to  speak  to  the  horse,  but  words 
seemed  denied  him,  and  only  gasps  came  from  his 
lips.  Finally,  he  felt  his  arms  relax,  and  a  thrill 
of  horror  passed  over  him  as  he  realized  that  he 
might  be  trampled  upon  by  those  flying  hoofs ; 
then  he  heard  as  in  a  dream  a  faint  cry,  the  horse 
stopped  as  a  hand  grasped  the  bridle,  and  Roy  fell 
senseless  upon  the  grass  beneath  him. 


CHAPTER  XVI 

IN   THE    SALTPETRE   CAVES 

LACEOLA'S  first  effort  after  backing  the  horse 
from  Roy's  prostrate  body  was  to  secure  that  ani 
mal  to  the  nearest  tree,  then  she  knelt  down  beside 
Roy  and  succeeded  in  stanching  the  blood  which 
flowed  from  his  wound,  by  tearing  a  strip  from 
her  blanket  and  binding  it  snugly  around  his  arm 
and  shoulder,  and  after  a  few  minutes  of  terror 
and  anxiety  she  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  him 
open  his  eyes. 

"  It  is  you,  Laceola,"  he  said  faintly ;  "  where  are 
the  others  ?  " 

"  Far  away  on  the  southern  trail ;  is  the  Bound 
ing  Elk  able  to  raise  himself  ?  If  so,  Laceola  will 
mount  him  on  the  saddle  and  ride  behind  him  to  a 
place  of  safety." 

"  How  did  you  come  here,  and  where  are  we  ?  " 

"  Laceola  had  crept,  Indian  fashion,  to  cover, 
and  when  she  saw  the  Bounding  Elk  pass  her 
hanging  to  the  horse's  neck  she  ran  swiftly  in  the 
same  direction ;  Laceola  is  fleet,  and  no  one  saw 
her.  The  British  were  too  busy  with  the  wounded 
to  follow,  and  the  horse  knew  Laceola's  voice  and 
stopped  when  she  caught  the  bridle." 


206  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  I  owe  you  my  life,  Laceola,  for  I  recollect 
thinking  I  could  not  hold  on  an  instant  longer." 

"  But  the  Bounding  Elk  must  not  tarry  here  ; 
we  are  too  near,  and  a  scout  may  find  us." 

"  Ay,"  said  Roy,  making  an  effort  to  rise  and 
sinking  instantly  back.  "  I  fear  you  will  be 
obliged  to  leave  me  here,  for  I  seem  utterly  spent. 
Drag  me  into  the  bushes  there,  and  go  in  search 
of  some  of  the  men.  I  can  manage  by  myself,  no 
doubt,  until  it  be  safe  for  you  to  bring  me  aid." 
But  even  as  he  uttered  the  brave  words,  Roy  knew 
that  the  chances  were  about  even  that  he  would 
perish  by  loss  of  blood,  or  at  the  hand  of  some 
merciless  camp-follower,  who  might  give  him  a  fin 
ishing  stroke,  if  only  to  plunder  the  sword  he 
wore. 

Laceola  looked  at  him  for  a  moment  in  silence ; 
then  she  went  swiftly  to  the  horse  and  untied  him, 
and  bringing  him  to  the  decayed  stump  of  a  tree 
not  many  feet  from  the  spot  where  Roy  had  fallen, 
she  threw  the  reins  on  his  neck,  as  he  had  been 
trained  to  stand,  and  went  back  to  Roy. 

"  Let  the  Bounding  Elk  put  his  hand  on  Laceola's 
shoulder  as  she  creeps  by  his  side,  and  she  will 
guide  him  to  the  stump,  yonder ;  from  the  stump, 
she  can  lift  him  to  the  saddle.  Laceola  is  young 
and  strong." 

But  she  spoke  to  almost  deaf  ears,  and  realizing 
how  precious  time  was,  the  Indian  girl  stooped,  and 
clasping  the  almost  senseless  man  in  her  arms, 
half  carried,  half  dragged  him  the  few  feet  she  knew 


IN  THE  SALTPETRE  CAVES  207 

were  necessary  for  his  safety.  As  she  did  so  she 
felt  something  hard  press  against  her  arm,  and 
putting  her  hand  inside  his  coat  pulled  forth  a 
pocket  flask  of  leather,  and,  to  her  great  relief,  she 
found  that  it  contained  a  small  amount  of  liqueur. 
Panting  and  almost  breathless  from  her  exertion, 
she  propped  Roy's  head  against  the  friendly  stump, 
and  held  the  flask  to  his  lips.  To  her  dismay,  at 
first  the  cognac  seemed  to  trickle  down  outside  his 
mouth,  but  by  holding  his  head  farther  back,  she 
succeeded  in  getting  a  few  drops  between  his  teeth, 
and  finally  after  swallowing  a  mouthful,  he  opened 
his  eyes  and  revived. 

"  I  thank  you,"  smiling  bravely  up  into  the  anx 
ious  face  bending  over  him ;  "  that  puts  some  life 
into  me.  Perhaps  —  I  may  —  try  to  mount " 

"  Bounding  Elk  must  not  talk  —  some  one  may 
hear, — hush!"  panted  the  girl,  as  she  heard  a 
rustle  in  the  bushes,  but  it  was  only  a  jack-rabbit, 
which  gazed  at  the  pair  with  its  bright,  surprised 
eyes  as  it  sped  hurriedly  away,  and  recovering  her 
self  Laceola  brought  the  horse  close  to  Roy's  side. 
After  giving  him  a  little  more  cognac  he  was  able 
to  raise  himself ;  at  last  with  one  brave  effort  he 
struggled  once  more  into  the  saddle,  and  with  a 
bound  Laceola  mounted  behind  him.  Throwing 
her  arms  around  him  as  she  caught  the  reins,  they 
were  away,  but  walking  the  good  horse  slowly,  both 
for  fear  of  noise  attracting  attention  from  out 
lying  scouts,  and  because  a  more  rapid  motion 
might  start  the  bleeding  again. 


208  A  PRETTY  TORY 

They  traveled  thus  for  more  than  a  half  hour, 
Laceola  guiding  the  horse  with  unerring  skill,  but  at 
last  Roy  began  to  lean  more  and  more  heavily  upon 
her,  and  she  realized  that  he  must  be  speedily  laid 
down  and  his  wound  dressed,  or  worse  might  ensue. 
Like  every  Indian,  Laceola  knew  a  few  simple  and 
effective  means  of  relieving  him,  and  after  peering 
anxiously  along,  as  the  late  moon  came  up  in  the 
sky  and  gave  her  more  light  as  guide,  she  appar 
ently  discovered  what  she  was  seeking,  for  with  a 
relieved  sigh  and  a  few  muttered  words  in  her  own 
tongue,  she  plunged  out  of  the  main  trail  which 
they  were  following,  and  struck  off  toward  the 
northwest.  Still  on,  and  the  path  grew  more 
rocky ;  they  seemed  to  be  making  an  ascent  as  of 
a  hill,  and  at  last,  when  about  halfway  to  its  sum 
mit,  Laceola  checked  the  horse  and  threw  herself 
off  its  back  just  in  time  to  receive  Roy's  fainting 
form  as  it  slipped  from  the  saddle  into  her  out 
stretched  arms. 

Then  followed  a  long,  long  night  to  Roy  Telfair. 
In  it  he  seemed  to  see  strange  forms  and  places ; 
now  he  was  wandering  through  a  forest  with 
Laceola  in  search  of  game,  then  he  seemed  to  be 
in  a  high,  vaulted  room  with  white  marble  pillars, 
which  closed  above  his  head  like  the  arches  of  some 
grand  cathedral.  The  light  seemed  dim,  and  was 
that  Geraldine,  that  graceful  form  which  seemed 
to  flit  in  and  out  of  this  dome-like  place  ?  Was 
this  the  choir  of  an  English  church,  or  a  palace 
where  he  was  imprisoned?  And  then  off  again 


IN  THE  SALTPETRE  CAVES  209 

into  wild  fever  and  delirium,  when  all  he  was  con 
scious  of  was  a  cool  hand  laid  on  his  brow,  or  a 
drop  of  water  that  moistened  his  parched  mouth. 
But  there  came  a  day  when  he  opened  his  brave, 
sunny  eyes  and  saw  and  knew  the  world  again. 

When  he  came  to  himself  he  was  lying  on  a 
heap  of  dried  moss  and  leaves,  and,  as  he  felt  these 
with  trembling  fingers,  his  hand  came  in  contact 
with  something  like  a  blanket.  His  eyes,  growing 
accustomed  to  the  light  (and  even  that  was  some 
what  dim,  as  it  came  from  a  distant  torch  out  of 
the  range  of  his  vision),  saw  above  him  the  high 
vault  of  a  cavern,  —  but  what  a  cavern,  —  for  the 
air  seemed  sufficiently  clear  and  pure,  —  and  there 
were  the  strange  pillars  which  had  haunted  his 
dreams,  of  pure  white,  and,  where  the  light  struck 
them,  glittering  like  snow  in  the  sunlight.  As 
Roy's  mind  slowly  and  gropingly  took  in  these  sin 
gular  details,  with  the  sudden  flash  that  some 
times  illuminates  the  brain  after  long  torpor,  he 
realized  his  surroundings,  and  knew  that  he  must 
be  lying  within  one  of  the  curious  and  beautiful 
saltpetre  caves  of  which  he  had  often  heard,  but 
which  he  had  never  seen.1 

As  he  turned  his  head  he  uttered  a  faint  sound, 
and  from  the  foot  of  one  of  the  stalactite  pillars 
he  saw  Laceola  rise  and  come  swiftly  toward  him. 
Joy  beamed  in  her  dark  eyes  as  she  said  in  a  voice 
that  trembled  with  feeling,  — 

1  For  description  of  saltpetre  caves,  see  Historical  Collections 
of  Georgia. 


210  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  The  Bounding  Elk  Las  come  back  to  life  once 
more ;  does  he  know  Laceola  ?  "  and  with  an  in 
describably  graceful  yet  pathetic  gesture  she  took 
his  hand  and  carried  it  to  her  lips. 

"  Laceola,  what  have  you  done  for  me,  and  why 
am  I  here?" 

"  Does  the  Bounding  Elk  remember  how  he  was 
shot,  and  then  the  horse  brought  him  away  ?  He 
has  been  ill  with  fever." 

"  How  long  ?  and  did  you  take  care  of  me, 
Laceola?  I  recollect  that  ride,  but  I  do  not  re 
member  coming  to  this  place.  How  did  you  find 
it?" 

"  Laceola's  tribe  know  many  of  these  caves. 
Some  of  them,  far  away  toward  the  north,  are 
places  where  her  people  meet  for  dances  or  coun 
cils.  This  is  smaller  than  most ;  it  has  but  two 
rooms ;  see,  there  is  where  we  came  in,"  and  she 
pointed  to  a  low  passage-way ;  "  the  horse  is  there 
beyond ;  he  was  too  tall  to  crawl  through  the  nar 
row  way  where  Laceola  brought  the  Bounding  Elk 
inside  the  cave." 

"But  tell  me,  quickly,  what  ails  me?  where  is 
the  bullet,  which  I  remember  struck  my  shoulder  ?  " 

"  There  was  no  bullet  left  in  the  Bounding  Elk ; 
it  tore  his  shoulder,  but  it  did  not  lodge  there. 
Laceola  knew  how  to  treat  the  wound  ;  there  are 
leaves  growing  on  the  hillside  which  she  laid  on 
it,  and  it  is  healed.  And  she  gave  him  herbs  to 
drink,  and  they  cooled  the  fever.  He  has  been 
here  for  two  moons  and  a  day." 


IN  THE   SALTPETRE   CAVES  211 

"  Almost  two  months ! "  cried  Roy  in  dismay. 
"  How  did  you  live  —  are  you  not  starving  ?  " 

Laceola  shook  her  head,  and  her  smile  deepened. 
"  The  Bounding  Elk  forgets  that  Laceola  can  shoot 
and  fish.  The  river  is  not  far  away  and  there  is 
a  spring  on  the  hillside." 

"  And  my  horse  —  did  you  not  say  he  was  here 
also  ?  How  did  you  continue  to  feed  him  ?  " 

"  That  was  easy ;  there  is  always  grass,  and 
Laceola  feared  to  let  him  graze  outside  lest  the 
cave  be  discovered  by  those  who  might  harm  the 
Bounding  Elk,  so  she  gathered  the  grass  and  fed 
the  horse  with  it." 

"  How  can  I  ever  repay  you  ?  "  cried  Roy,  his 
eyes  filling  as  he  heard  this  simple  story  of  the 
Indian  girl's  devotion.  "  But  for  you  I  should  be 
lying  dead  under  the  gray  moss  —  food  for  the 
buzzards,  with  none  to  tell  the  story  of  how  I 
died." 

Laceola  laid  her  hand  on  his  arm.  "  Too  much 
talk  will  make  fever ;  here  is  food ;  then  Bounding 
Elk  must  sleep."  Roy  watched  her  curiously  as 
she  went  through  the  narrow  opening  which  evi 
dently  connected  the  two  compartments  of  the 
cave.  Presently  she  returned,  bringing,  in  the 
leather  flask  which  he  recognized  as  his  own,  some 
warm  liquid  which  she  put  to  his  lips. 

"  Do  not  fear ;  it  is  made  of  the  flesh  of  a  rab 
bit  which  Laceola  trapped.  This  cave  has  been 
once  inhabited  by  my  people,  long,  long  ago,  for 
Laceola  found  a  rude  earthen  pot  one  day  over 


212  A  PRETTY  TORY 

there  by  the  big  white  stone,  and  she  was  glad,  for 
in  it  she  fetched  water  from  the  spring,  and 
warmed  it  to  slake  the  Bounding  Elk's  fever. 
Sleep  now,"  as  Roy  sank  back  among  the  leaves, 
"  Laceola  will  watch." 

That  sleep  proved  the  turning-point  in  Roy's 
recovery,  for  when  he  woke  again,  which  was  not 
for  some  eight  hours,  he  had  improved  sufficiently 
to  sit  upright,  and  so  Laceola  found  him  when  she 
came  in  from  the  other  side,  hearing  him  move, 
and  her  clear  pretty  laugh  provoked  an  echo  in  the 
cave,  and  pleased  Roy  because  it  was  so  seldom 
heard. 

After  that  day  Roy  improved  rapidly,  and  at 
last  was  able  to  walk  slowly  about  the  cave,  whose 
singular  beauty  had  a  great  attraction  for  him. 
The  continual  drippings  of  lime  and  saltpetre 
had  formed  by  concretion  these  strangely  shaped 
mounds  and  columns,  and  Laceola,  returning  one 
day  after  a  brief  absence,  found  him  seated  and 
examining  them  closely. 

"  I  am  almost  myself  again,"  he  said  as  she 
entered,  stretching  out  his  hands,  though  a  warning 
twinge  in  his  left  shoulder  made  him  regard  it 
somewhat  ruefully.  "  Faith,  't  is  fortunate  I  have 
my  sword  arm  unhurt,  and  this  improves  daily  ;  I 
believe  it  only  needs  exercise.  I  must  not  tarry 
here,  Laceola,  but  get  back  to  my  command, 
though  Heaven  knows  where  that  may  be ;  if,  as 
you  say,  we  have  been  almost  two  months  im 
prisoned  here." 


IN  THE  SALTPETRE  CAVES  213 

"  The  Bounding  Elk  is  not  yet  able  to  sit  his 
horse  ;  perhaps  if  Laceola  could  hold  him  " 

"  No,  no,"  cried  Roy,  "  that  I  absolutely  forbid. 
When  we  go  forth  from  this  cave  I  will  ride  as  a 
man  should,  and  I  am  able  to  do  it  now.  I  owe 
more  to  you  than  I  can  ever  pay,  and  I  must  be 
off." 

"The  Bounding  Elk  owes  Laceola  nothing," 
said  the  girl,  in  a  proud,  hurt  tone  ;  "  he  has  more 
than  paid  her  by  his  grateful  words." 

"  Nay,  I  did  not  mean  to  wound  you  ;  forgive 
me." 

Laceola  looked  at  him  for  a  moment  in  silence  ; 
then  she  seated  herself  beside  him,  and  with 
bowed  head  and  clasped  hands,  began  to  speak,  at 
first  low  and  faltering,  but  then  in  bolder  fashion. 

"  The  Bounding  Elk  knows  not  all ;  he  is  able 
now  to  listen  ;  let  him  hear  the  words  of  Laceola. 
When  he  lay  day  by  day  tossing  with  fever  in  this 
cave,  some  days  silent,  some  days  talking,  Laceola 
learned  many  things.  He  thought  he  was  roam 
ing  with  her  in  the  forest,  where  he  shot  the  game, 
and  Laceola  carried  it,  and  was  happy.  Then  for 
days  he  walked  with  the  palefaced  maiden  —  she 
with  the  hair  like  sunset,  and  eyes  like  the  blue 
waters ;  and  he  prayed  and  pleaded  with  her,  for 
love  was  on  his  lips  and  in  his  heart.  And  then 
the  heart  of  Laceola  grew  hot  within  her  breast, 
for  when  she  held  his  hand  and  bathed  his  fore 
head  he  thought  it  was  that  other,  and  he  kissed 
her  hands  and  said  words  that  pierced  the  soul  of 


214  A  PRETTY  TORY 

Laceola."  She  paused  for  a  moment,  and  Roy 
regarded  her  with  absolute  consternation,  as  a  con 
viction  of  what  he  must  have  revealed  burst  upon 
him.  He  was  about  to  speak,  but  the  Indian  girl 
raised  her  slender  hand.  "  Wait ;  let  the  Bound 
ing  Elk  hear  all."  Her  great  soft  eyes  glowed 
with  sombre  fire ;  never  had  she  been  so  beautiful 
or  so  sad. 

"  Then  as  Laceola  looked  upon  him  and  felt  the 
power  of  his  words,  she  said  within  herself,  '  Why 
should  the  Indian  girl  save  the  life  which  is  not 
for  her  ?  ' —  for,  to  her  shame,  Laceola  knew  that 
she  loved  the  Bounding  Elk  and  longed  for  his 
love  in  return.  And  thinking  thus  she  laid  him 
back  upon  his  bed  and  crept  away,  leaving  him  to 
die.  Over  there,  by  the  white  mound  she  sat,  till 
the  sound  of  his  voice  grew  faint  and  weak  —  then 
it  stopped  altogether.  Still  she  sat  motionless, 
until  the  stillness  became  too  great  to  bear,  and 
then  she  crept  softly  back  to  his  side.  One  look 
at  his  face  told  her  that  he  was  almost  in  the  land 
of  spirits.  She  cried  out  in  her  despair,  because 
Laceola  knew  at  last  that  for  her  it  was  greater 
pain  to  lose  him  than  to  see  him  live  and  know 
that  he  loved  the  beautiful  maiden  of  the  pale 
faces." 

Again  Roy  tried  to  speak,  but  she  forbade  him. 
"  She  tore  open  his  coat  and  felt  that  his  heart 
still  beat,  though  feebly,  and  she  once  again  forced 
the  fire-water  through  his  lips,  and  after  a  long,  long 
time  she  brought  the  almost  escaped  spirit  back  to 


IN  THE  SALTPETRE  CAVES  215 

his  body,  and  the  Great  Spirit,  who  had  hid  his 
face  from  Laceola  while  evil  thoughts  had  posses 
sion  of  her,  smiled  upon  her  effort,  and  slowly,  slowly 
life  and  strength  came  back  to  the  Bounding  Elk. 
He  will  soon  be  able  to  tread  the  forest  as  of  old, 
but  before  he  goes  will  he  say  '  forgive '  to  Lace 
ola?" 

She  raised  her  head,  her  great  eyes  swimming 
in  tears,  and  stretched  out  her  slender  hands 
toward  him  ;  the  passionate,  faithful  love  she  bore 
him  shone  in  every  feature  of  her  speaking  face. 

"  Laceola !  "  Roy's  voice  trembled,  and  his  love 
for  Geraldine  did  not  prevent  a  bitter  pang  of 
regret  that  all  unconsciously  he  had  won  a  de 
votion  so  pure,  a  love  so  humble,  that  it  had  forced 
a  confession  where  none  was  needed,  as  her  nobility 
of  soul  forbade  her  to  be  silent  because  of  her 
involuntary  treachery,  so  deeply  repented.  "  How 
can  I  express  my  grief  that  I  should  have  caused 
you  such  pain,  how  tell  you  that  I "- 

"  Hush !  "  Laceola  sprang  forward  as  the  warn 
ing  left  her  lips.  Her  quick  ears  had  caught  a  faint 
sound  in  the  cave  beyond.  She  drew  Roy's  pistol 
from  her  belt,  where  she  had  worn  it  since  the 
night  of  the  skirmish,  and  with  steady  aim  she 
covered  the  narrow  entrance  of  the  cave.  Another 
rustling,  sound ;  the  horse  whinnied  gently ;  then 
Roy  heard  the  unmistakable  tramp  of  mounted 
men,  and  a  dark  form  came  cautiously  into  view. 

"  Ossaba !  "  Laceola  thrust  the  pistol  aside  and 
darted  forward,  and  in  another  second  McKay  had 


216  A   PRETTY  TORY 

made  his  way  through  the  passage,  and  was  wringing 
Roy's  hand,  talking  so  rapidly  and  joyously  that 
it  was  at  first  difficult  to  understand  how  or  whence 
he  came. 

"  We  gave  you  up  for  lost  weeks  ago ;  indeed,  two 
of  the  men  declared  that  they  passed  you  lying 
wounded  beneath  your  horse  "- 

"  Ay,  so  they  may  have,  but  Laceola  aided  my 
escape  and  with  wonderful  heroism  brought  me 
here." 

"  Brave  girl,"  cried  McKay.  "  Marion  himself 
shall  thank  you." 

"  But  how  did  you  find  me,  McKay  ?  Did  Os- 
saba  bethink  himself  of  this  cave  ?  " 

"  No,  we  are  on  a  scout ;  for  since  the  dire  con 
fusion  after  the  battle  of  Camden  (we  lost  fear 
fully  there,  Telfair ;  but  by  great  good  luck  Gates 
had  dispatched  the  Rangers  southward  before  the 
conflict)  we  have  been  doing  yeoman  service  at  our 
old  trade  of  harrying  the  British  all  over  the  pro 
vince.  But  as  we  were  passing  the  foot  of  this  hill 
Ossaba  declared  that  he  saw  Laceola's  trail  (these 
Indians  appear  to  have  the  instinct  of  a  hound  for 
friend  or  foe),  and  that  roused  me,  for  we  thought 
the  girl  dead  also ;  so  we  came  cautiously  up,  and 
at  last  Ossaba  told  me  he  believed  there  was  a 
cave  midway  of  the  ascent ;  we  continued  to  fol 
low  him,  heard  your  horse  call  its  fellows,  and, 
thank  God,  found  both  that  brave  girl  and  you." 

"  And  what  of  the  cause  ?  "  asked  Roy,  as,  some 
hours  after,  the  troopers  helped  him  outside,  and 


IN  THE  SALTPETRE  CAVES  217 

he  sat  down  to  eat  a  meal  with  his  comrade,  who 
determined  not  to  push  on  until  he  could  take  Tel- 
fair  with  him.  "  Fancy  my  thirst  for  news,  and 
relieve  my  suspense." 

"  Oh,  aye ;  we  have  changed  generals  again,  and 
Gates  is  to  be  superseded  by  Greene,  a  man  whom 
Marion  likes  and  respects  for  his  military  ability 
And  by  word  which  reached  me  last  night,  who 
do  you  think  comes  to  join  us  of  the  South  V 
Morgan,  the  '  Border  Eagle '  as  the  Indians  call 
him,  —  Morgan,  who,  though  invalided  and  sent 
home,  can  no  longer  hold  back,  and  notwithstand 
ing  his  notorious  ill  treatment  by  the  Continental 
Congress,  to  his  eternal  honor,  be  it  told,  comes 
back  to  the  army  as  colonel,  where  his  services 
merit  that  he  should  be  general.  You  must  hasten 
to  make  your  recovery,  man ;  we  have  made  his 
tory  these  two  months  past,  and  we  need  all  good 
patriots  such  as  you  to  help  us  on  to  victory." 

"  And  my  people,"  questioned  Telfair ;  "  can 
you  give  me  news  of  them  ?  Do  they  also  believe 
me  dead  ?  " 

"  They  know  that  you  are  missing,  for  Ossaba 
has  lately  visited  Savannah,  and  while  there  he 
saw  your  sister.  But  you  can  easily  relieve  their 
apprehensions  now.  Faith,  I  can  scarcely  yet 
believe  in  your  good  luck  in  escaping,  and  my 
conscience  has  nearly  weighed  me  down  with  the 
burden  of  thinking  that  I  should  have  taken  your 
suggestion  and  gone  on  to  the  swamp  that  night 
we  were  surprised.  I  made  a  clean  breast  of  it 


218  A  PRETTY  TORY 

to  Colonel  Marion,  and  gave  you  due  credit  for 
advice  I  was  fool  enough  to  reject,"  and  the  gal 
lant  fellow's  voice  broke,  as  he  wrung  Roy's  hand 
again  for  the  twentieth  time. 

But  next  day  when  McKay  realized  how  serious 
had  been  Roy's  long  suffering,  he  decided  that  he 
could  not  take  him  with  his  command,  so  he  de 
tached  four  troopers  as  escort,  and  dispatched  his 
friend  to  Snow  Island,  where  in  Marion's  camp  he 
felt  sure  he  would  be  far  safer  than  to  return  to 
Savannah,  as  at  Dumblane  he  would  be  in  a  posi 
tion  to  be  captured  at  any  moment  by  the  British. 
Roy  reluctantly  agreed  to  this  decision,  but  before 
he  started  he  called  Laceola  to  his  side. 

"  Farewell,"  he  said;  "  remember  that  I  am  now 
and  always  your  debtor  for  nobility  and  devotion 
that  I  have  never  known  surpassed." 

"  Then  the  Bounding  Elk  forgives  ? 

The  hot  color  rushed  into  Roy's  pale  face ;  he  took 
the  girl's  hand  and  raised  it  to  his  lips  as  reverently 
as  if  she  had  been  a  princess.  "  Never  name  such 
a  thing  between  you  and  me.  I  were  less  than 
man  did  I  not  feel  that  you  have  given  me  life." 

"  Farewell,"  she  said  gently  ;  "  the  Wild  Pigeon 
flies  southward,  and  she  will  bear  tidings  to  those 
the  Bounding  Elk  loves  which  will  bring  light  to 
their  eyes  and  gladness  to  their  hearts.  Farewell !  " 
and  as  Roy  rode  carefully  down  the  hillside  he 
paused  at  its  foot  to  look  back  and  wave  his  hand 
to  the  graceful,  watching  figure  standing  with  her 
face  turned  toward  the  rising  sun. 


CHAPTER  XVII 

MARGOT  DOES  HER  DUTY 

LADY  DOLLY  was  having  her  matinee,  and  what 
with  her  personal  charm  and  popularity,  and  the 
novelty  of  holding  an  informal  reception  at  eleven 
o'clock  in  the  morning,  the  drawing-room  was 
fairly  crowded  with  all  the  social  world  of  Savan 
nah.  True,  some  carping  critics  had  sneered  in  a 
superior  manner  when  the  idea  was  broached  as 
being  quite  the  latest  mode  in  London  and  Paris, 
but  after  the  first  two  of  these  delightfully  infor 
mal  affairs  had  passed  off  successfully,  the  third 
bade  fair  to  include  every  one  who  had  any  pre 
tension  to  being  fashionable,  even  the  critics  afore 
said. 

Lady  Dolly,  dressed  in  the  last  new  negligee 
costume,  which  happened  to  be  a  Watteau-shaped 
garment  of  rose-colored  satin,  with  the  daintiest  of 
lace  mobcaps  crowning  her  yellow  curls,  sat  at  a 
three-legged  Chippendale  table,  dispensing  choco 
late  in  tiny,  priceless  cups  of  Sevres  china,  look 
ing  very  much  like  a  Dresden  figure  herself. 
Allastar  Murray  stood  at  her  elbow,  and  Molly 
Durbeville  occupied  a  chair  at  her  left,  where  En 
sign  Selwyn  was  whispering  in  her  ear  and  en- 


220  A  PRETTY  TORY 

deavoring  to  retain  the  attention  of  that  lively 
and  capricious  lady. 

"  I  have  not  seen  you  for  an  age,"  said  Lady 
Dolly,  as  Murray  ventured  to  beg  for  another  cup 
of  chocolate ;  "  between  my  trip  to  Charleston  and 
various  engagements  since  my  return  I  seem  to 
have  lost  count  of  my  friends  in  Savannah.  Give 
me  a  vivid  and  particular  history  of  all  that  has 
transpired  since  we  met." 

"  That  is  hardly  possible,  for  we  are  too  tranquil 
just  now  to  be  interesting  ;  we  have  actually  been 
some  weeks  without  any  warlike  episodes  near  us ; 
surely  you  had  plenty  of  such  in  South  Carolina  ?  " 

"  Oh,  aye,  and  that  reminds  me,  I  saw  Colonel 
Tarleton  one  night  at  a  supper  monstrous  pleased 
because  he  had  had  a  skirmish  with  Sumter  and 
forced  him  to  retire." 

"  But  the  Tories  have  had  much  the  best  of  it  in 
South  Carolina  of  late,  save  for  your  old  acquaint 
ances,  the  followers  of  the  Swamp  Fox,  who  are 
giving  them  perpetual  trouble." 

"That  gentleman  is  well  named,"  said  Lady 
Dolly,  laughing ;  "  and  that  reminds  mer  has  that 
disappearing  rebel,  young  Telfair,  been  heard  of 
lately?" 

"  No,  not  since  the  duel  in  the  governor's  gar 
den  ;  indeed  there  is  great  distress  at  Dumblane, 
for  Madam  Telfair  believes  him  dead." 

"  Dead !  "  cried  Lady  Dolly,  shocked  into  sud 
den  gravity.  "  Oh,  I  hope  not.  So  gallant  a  foe 
commands  my  sympathy,  and  to  be  frank,  Murray, 


221 

his  escapades  savored  so  much  of  the  romantic  that 
(shall  I  own  it  ?)  I  was  naughty  enough  to  rejoice 
in  his  success." 

"  Oh,  fie,  Lady  Dolly ;  't  is  well  you  are  whis 
pering  to  one  who  knows  you  so  well.  What 
would  all  this  assembly  say  to  such  treasonable 
utterances  ?  " 

Lady  Dolly  eyed  him  with  a  mischievous  smile. 
"  Rumor  has  it  that  you  are  somewhat  bitten  with 
the  same  ;  indeed,  I  heard  a  whisper  that  a  fair 
lady  at  Dumblane  was  answerable  for  your  luke 
warm  sentiments  in  favor  of  the  crown." 

Murray  flushed  scarlet.  "  Who  dares  "  —  he 
began  hotly.  But  Lady  Dolly  laid  a  pretty  hand 
on  his  arm. 

"  And  why  not  ?  Love  laughs  at  locksmiths,  — 
why  not  at  Whigs  and  Tories?  I  am,  myself, 
half  touched,  half  fired  by  these  dashing,  brave  un 
complaining  patriots.  Your  forbears  and  mine 
were  out  in  the  '  Forty-Five  ; '  it  occurs  to  me 
that  perchance  I  have  a  few  ounces  of  rebel  blood 
somewhere  in  these  blue  veins  of  mine,  which 
makes  them  thi'ob  in  sympathy." 

There  was  a  little  stir  near  the  door,  and  as  it 
swung  open  Geraldine  Moncriffe  crossed  the  thresh 
old.  Murray  started  forward  to  meet  her,  and 
Lady  Dolly  motioned  her  to  sit  at  her  side. 

"  A  good  day  to  you,"  she  said  warmly,  as  she 
pressed  Geraldine's  extended  hand.  "  'T  is  early 
for  a  trip  from  Glenmoira,  and  I  am  much  honored 
by  your  presence  at  my  matinee." 


222  A  PRETTY  TORY 

Geraldine  murmured  her  thanks  as  she  accepted 
a  cup  of  chocolate,  and  Lady  Dolly's  keen,  bright 
eyes  searched  her  face  with  a  single  rapid  glance. 
What  had  changed  her  thus?  The  lovely  rose- 
tinted  skin  was  beautiful  as  ever,  but  in  those  deep 
blue  eyes  there  lay  a  shadow  of  anguish,  and  the 
dark  lines  beneath  told  of  tears  and  sorrow.  What 
could  have  befallen  her? 

"  There  is  some  mystery  here,"  thought  Lady 
Dolly,  more  grieved  than  she  could  have  believed 
herself  capable  of  being,  although  she  called  her 
self  a  woman  of  sentiment.  "  Can  Tarleton  be 
responsible  for  this  ?  He  is  cruel  as  the  grave,  and 
if  jealousy  prompts  him,  a  fiend.  No,  she  has  too 
much  pride  and  spirit  to  submit  to  that.  Oh !  I 
must  find  out  what  grieves  her,  or  die  of  sym 
pathy."  The  last  was  Lady  Dolly's  picturesque 
method  of  disguising  her  insatiate  curiosity.  For 
give  her ;  we  are  all  prone  to  seek  pretty  names 
for  our  pet  foibles. 

In  a  few  seconds  there  was  a  little  circle  sur 
rounding  Geraldine,  for  her  popularity  had  grown 
since  the  governor's  fete,  and  beside,  the  unceasing 
round  of  entertaining  at  Glenmoira  was  fully  ap 
preciated  by  the  Tory  element  of  society.  Molly 
Durbeville  and  Selwyn  joined  the  circle,  and 
laughter  and  pretty  speeches  prevailed  until  one 
unlucky  woman  chanced  to  remember  a  tale  told 
last  evening  by  her  maid. 

"  Have  you  heard  the  news  ?  "  she  asked,  ad 
dressing  no  one  in  particular,  and  yet  the  conversa- 


MARGOT  DOES  HER  DUTY  223 

tion  paused  at  her  question.  "  'T  is  quite  thrilling 
in  its  details.  There  has  been  a  whisper  brought 
to  town  (no  one  knows  how,  probably  by  the 
blacks)  that  ever  since  the  battle  of  Camden, 
Captain  Roy  Telfair  has  been  among  the  missing. 
They  say  his  father  caused  inquiry  to  be  closely 
made,  and  that  it  was  learned  he  made  his  escape 
from  the  battlefield,  but  being  closely  set  upon  by 
the  British  forces,  he  was  recaptured,  and  so  worked 
upon  by  the  officer  in  command  that  at  last  he  con 
sented  to  conduct  a  small  party  to  the  secret  camp 
of  Marion,  provided  his  freedom  be  given  him." 

"  I  do  not  credit  it  for  one  instant,"  cried  the 
indignant  voice  of  Molly  Durbeville. 

"  But  wait  until  you  hear  the  sequel.  Captain 
Telfair,  sharing  apparently  the  foxlike  attributes 
of  his  commanding  officer,  carefully  led  the  party 
into  an  ambush,  but  alack !  he  did  not  provide  for 
his  own  neck,  for  he  fell  pierced  by  a  dozen  shots 
from  the  British,  and  was  instantly  killed.  They 
say  the  body  has  not  yet  been  recovered,  although 
Marion's  scouts  are  searching  for  it." 

"  Where  did  you  hear  that  veracious  tale  ? " 
asked  Murray,  seizing  the  chocolate  cup  which  al 
most  slipped  from  Geraldine's  trembling  fingers, 
and  thereby  screening  her  emotion  from  observa 
tion.  "  I  am  aware  that  Telfair  has  been  missing 
for  some  two  months  (I  have  it  from  the  family 
at  Dumblane),  but  I  am  sure  that  gruesome  tale 
lacks  confirmation." 

"  Trust  that  elusive  young  gentleman  to  make 


224  A  PRETTY  TORY 

good  an  escape,"  interposed  Lady  Dolly ;  she  was 
positive  now  from  Geraldine's  agitation  that  this 
was  an  affair  that  appealed  to  her  most  romantic 
side,  and  in  her  heart  of  hearts,  as  usual,  espoused 
the  cause  of  true  love  and  its  troubled  waters. 
"  From  my  own  knowledge  of  him  (which,  Heaven 
save  the  mark,  is  but  small)  I  can  testify  that  he 
crawls  through  keyholes  and  out  of  barred  win 
dows  —  at  least  that  is  what  we  are  all  forced  to 
believe  at  Glenmoira.  Nay,  must  you  go  ?  "  as 
Geraldine,  with  an  eloquent  glance  of  her  expres 
sive  eyes,  rose  to  leave.  "  I  shall  not  fail  to  come 
as  I  promised  to-morrow." 

"  Let  me  see  you  to  your  chariot,"  said  Murray, 
and  he  followed  Geraldine  down  the  staircase  to 
the  door. 

"  What  did  Rose  say  ? "  she  asked,  and  her 
voice  was  now  under  sufficient  control  to  be  steady ; 
"  had  they  any  further  tidings  of  Captain  Tel- 
fair?" 

"  Only  what  you  have  heard,  but  truly  we  must 
make  large  allowances  for  the  way  a  story  gathers 
as  it  goes  from  tongue  to  tongue.  I  think  Lady 
Dolly's  estimate  far  more  likely  to  be  correct  than 
that  circumstantial  tale,"  and  he  pressed  Geral 
dine's  hand  with  warm  friendliness  as  he  saw  the 
blue  eyes  fill  with  tears  even  as  she  smiled  farewell. 

Geraldine  threw  herself  back  on  the  cushions 
of  her  chariot,  and  rode  on  through  the  city  a  prey 
to  agonized  doubt.  These  two  months  had  been 
full  of  anxiety,  for  there  had  been  no  cessation  of 


MARGOT  DOES  HER  DUTY  225 

her  father's  pressure  of  Tarleton's  suit,  and  that, 
together  with  the  passionate  love  letters  which 
Tarleton  himself  continued  with  clever  ingenuity 
to  have  showered  upon  her  (no  matter  how  distant 
he  might  be),  kept  her  in  a  perpetual  state  of  ex 
citement.  Margot  was  a  great  source  of  comfort 
to  her  young  mistress  during  those  trying  days. 
Of  course,  all  intercourse  was  forbidden  between 
Rose  and  herself,  but  it  was  wonderful  how  little 
notes  and  words  of  cheer  found  their  way  to  the 
plantation ;  sometimes  from  Cupid,  who  had  been 
following  his  favorite  occupation  of  bird-nesting 
and  had  met  Rose  in  some  mysterious  manner ; 
sometimes  from  Jumbo,  to  whom  a  missive  had 
been  delivered  when  exercising  the  horses.  And 
these  had  kept  up  Geraldine's  heart,  in  a  way, 
until  Ossaba's  interview  with  Rose  had  almost  de 
prived  her  of  hope. 

But  it  was  luxury  to  Geraldine  to  be  alone,  as 
the  chariot  rolled  slowly  along,  for  nowadays  it 
seemed  as  if  the  long  hours  of  the  night  were  all 
she  could  claim  as  her  own,  and  she  had  welcomed 
the  opportunity  to  attend  Lady  Dolly's  matinee 
because  Colonel  Moncriffe  never  rode  to  the  city 
at  that  time  unless  called  by  official  affairs.  Half 
the  distance  was  passed,  and  she  was  nearing  the 
plantation,  when  Jumbo's  voice  aroused  her  from 
her  painful  reverie  :  — 

"  Hole  on  dar  !  what  fer  yo'  do  dat  er  way  ? 
Don'  yo'  know,  gal,  dose  hosses  am  'fraid  ob  strange 
pussons?"  and  wondering  what  could  cause  this 


226  A  PRETTY  TORY 

excitement  on  Jumbo's  part,  Geraldine  thrust  her 
head  through  the  window  of  the  chariot  as  it  drew 
up  at  the  roadside,  and  saw,  standing  near  the 
horses'  heads,  the  picturesque  form  of  Laceola. 

Geraldine's  first  thought  was  of  the  strange 
beauty  of  the  girl's  face  and  form,  as  Laceola  ad 
vanced  slowly  and  with  much  dignity  ;  her  next, 
wonderment  as  to  who  the  stranger  might  be. 

"Laceola,  the  sister  of  Ossaba,  would  speak 
with  the  Pretty  Tory,"  said  the  Indian  girl ;  "  will 
the  daughter  of  the  palefaces  listen  ?  " 

"  Laceola,  the  Indian  girl  whom  Rose  Telfair 
loves?"  said  Geraldine,  her  lovely  smile  lighting 
up  the  face  that  had  been  so  sad ;  "  will  you  come 
inside  and  sit  beside  me  ?  " 

Laceola  smiled  back  at  her,  but  coming  close  to 
the  window  she  said  softly,  "  The  little  roorn-on- 
wheels  is  too  small  to  hold  what  Laceola  would 
say.  Will  the  Pretty  Tory  speak  with  Laceola 
beyond  the  thicket,  there  ?  "  and  she  waved  her 
hand  toward  a  majestic  oak  which  stood  a  few  feet 
back  from  the  roadside. 

"Why  do  you  call  me  the  'Pretty  Tory'?" 
asked  Geraldine  as  she  sprang  lightly  out  at  the 
girl's  bidding,  and  bade  Jumbo  wait  until  she 
returned. 

'•  Dun  like  stoppin'  hyar  furnuthin',"  grumbled 
Jumbo ;  "  lil  missy  not  called  fur  to  go  round 
talkin'  wif  Injius  an'  sich  wile  cattle."  But  Ger 
aldine  had  reached  the  tree,  and  the  faithful  black 
was  forced  to  submit  to  the  caprice  of  the  young 


MARGOT  DOES  HER  DUTY  227 

mistress  whose  dignity  he  so  jealously  desired  to 
preserve. 

"  The  paleface  maiden  is  known  as  the  '  Pretty 
Tory  '  in  the  settlement  at  Yamacraw  because  her 
father  belongs  to  the  soldiers  of  the  king,  but 
Laceola  calls  her  the  Maiden-with-hair-like-sunset. 
But  listen,  for  the  sun  travels  high,  and  Laceola 
must  hasten  away."  She  paused  a  moment,  and 
then  drew  closer  to  Geraldine,  who  regarded  her 
with  eyes  of  pleased  surprise.  "  Far  away  from 
here,  beyond  the  Great  River,  there  rides  a  brave 
young  warrior ;  he  goes  to  the  camp  of  the  Swamp 
Fox,  but  he  must  ride  slowly,  for  his  face  is  pale 
and  his  arm  is  weak.  Lo  !  these  two  moons  he 
lay  ill  with  fever,  and  sorely  wounded  by  the  sol 
diers  of  the  king." 

Every  vestige  of  color  left  Geraldine's  face ; 
she  was  white  to  the  lips.  "  Roy  —  do  you  mean 
Roy  ?  "  she  gasped. 

"  The  Bounding  Elk  whose  home  is  there."  She 
pointed  in  the  direction  of  Dumblane.  "  He  bade 
Laceola  come  and  bring  tidings  of  his  safety  to  his 
people,  and  "  —  she  hesitated,  and  a  blush  came 
to  her  cheek  —  "  Laceola  knew  that  the  Maiden- 
with-hair-like-sunset  would  rejoice." 

With  the  sweet  graciousness  which  became  her 
so  well  Geraldine  took  the  Indian  girl's  hand  in 
hers.  "  Oh,  thank  God !  "  she  cried,  as  the  light 
came  back  to  her  eyes  and  the  sunshine  to  her 
face,  "  he  is  not  dead,  as  we  heard." 

"  No,   but  for  many  days  the   Bounding   Elk 


228  A  PRETTY  TORY 

knew  nothing.  But  he  was  happy,  for  in  his  fever 
dreams  he  was  wandering  with  the  Pretty  Tory 
whom  he  loves." 

"  Laceola !  "  Geraldine  was  trembling  from 
head  to  foot;  what  did  this  child  of  the  forest 
mean  by  probing  her  heart  like  this  ? 

"Through  the  long  night  Laceola  heard  his 
prayers  to  the  paleface  maiden.  She  had  listened 
kindly  to  the  chief-who-loves-blood,  and  that  hurt 
the  Bounding  Elk,  and  caused  his  heart  to  swell 
bitterly.  What  will  the  Pretty  Tory  do  now, 
when  both  the  chief-who-loves-blood  and  the  Bound 
ing  Elk  are  again  upon  the  warpath?  which  one 
will  she  select,  and  go  to  his  wigwam  ?  " 

Geraldine  threw  back  her  haughty  head,  and  her 
eyes  gleamed  like  blue  steel  as  she  looked  Laceola 
in  the  face. 

"  How  dare  you  !  "  she  said,  scarcely  above  a 
whisper  ;  "  by  what  right  do  you  question  me  upon 
my  own  most  sacred  affair?  " 

"  Because  Laceola  loves  the  Bounding  Elk," 
said  the  girl  calmly ;  "  she  loves  him  far  beyond 
herself.  Her  care,  her  hands,  have  brought  him 
back  to  life  almost  from  the  spirit-land.  Will  the 
Pretty  Tory  make  that  life  glad,  or  no  ?  "  Geral 
dine  did  not  answer,  and  Laceola  went  on  more 
rapidly :  — 

"  The  paleface  maiden  is  proud,  but  she  is  no 
prouder  than  Laceola,  in  whose  veins  bounds  the 
royal  blood  of  an  hundred  chiefs  who  roamed  these 
forests  long  before  the  soldiers  of  the  king  set 


MARGOT   DOES  HER  DUTY  229 

foot  in  them.  Why  should  Laceola  give  to  any 
one  the  life  she  has  saved  ?  Because  the  Bound 
ing  Elk  loves  the  maiden  of  his  own  race,  and 
Laceola  longs  to  see  him  smile  again  and  be  happy. 
Will  the  Pretty  Tory  make  him  so  ?  " 

The  soft  deep  tones  died  trembling  away  as 
Laceola  stood  with  bowed  head  and  clasped  hands. 
A  wave  of  emotion  shook  Geraldine  from  head  to 
foot ;  anger  died  almost  as  soon  as  born  before  the 
magnanimity,  the  self-abnegation  of  this  untutored 
Indian  girl.  The  love  which  elevated  and  en 
nobled  her  she  sacrificed  cheerfully  and  without  a 
murmur,  —  her  only  wish,  to  see  him  happy.  The 
thought  pierced  Geraldine's  generous  heart ;  she 
clasped  Laceola  in  her  arms  and  kissed  her  fondly. 

"  You  have  conquered,"  she  said,  her  eyes  full 
of  tears.  "  My  heart  is  his  and  his  alone." 

"  But  the  rumor  flies  that  the  mansion  at  Glen- 
moira  is  being  made  ready  for  a  bridal,  and  that 
the  chief-who-loves-blood  comes  to  wed  the  Pretty 
Tory." 

"  Never !  "  cried  Geraldine  passionately,  and 
would  have  added  more,  but  the  Indian  girl  laid 
her  hand  on  her  lips. 

"  Some  one  rides  up  the  road,"  she  whispered  ; 
"  Laceola  must  not  be  seen,  for  she  risks  capture 
as  one  of  the  Swamp  Fox's  scouts.  There  is  a 
hollow  tree  near  the  summer-house  on  the  planta 
tion,  and  a  paper  placed  there  after  sunset  will 
reach  the  Bounding  Elk.  Farewell ;  lock  up 
Laceola's  secret  and  throw  the  key  in  the  river  of 


230  A  PRETTY  TORY 

forgetfulness,"  and  pressing  a  kiss  on  the  hand 
she  held,  she  ran  swiftly  into  the  thicket  before 
Geraldine  could  stay  her  flight. 

Margot,  after  dressing  her  young  mistress  for 
her  ride  to  the  city,  and  seeing  her  safely  off  under 
Jumbo's  care,  tucked  up  her  gown  preparatory  to 
a  grand  cleaning  raid  which  she  felt  it  incumbent 
upon  her  to  inaugurate  at  unexpected  intervals, 
lest  the  blacks  fall  into  untidy  ways  beyond  her 
control.  At  these  seasons  she  was  at  once  a  terror 
and  inspiration  to  the  entire  household,  even  to  the 
smallest  of  the  pickaninnies,  who  fled  from  her  path 
and  sought  refuge  in  the  hedges  until  the  fever  of 
"  clarin'  up  "  had  subsided.  But  on  this  particular 
occasion  Margot  proceeded  no  farther  than  the 
kitchen  door,  for  Colonel  Moncriffe's  gong  was 
sounding,  and  Phrebus  appeared  with  eyeballs 
rolling,  to  say  that  "marse  wanted  her  in  the 
library  immediately,  ef  not  sooner." 

*'  I  wonder  what 's  i'  the  wind  ?  "  said  Margot  to 
herself,  as  she  smoothed  an  almost  imperceptible 
wrinkle  from  her  apron  and  hastened  upstairs. 
"  There  's  been  somewhat  brewing  for  twa  days 
past,  an'  I  dinna  ken  whose  head  will  catch  the 
blast." 

"  Margot,"  remarked  her  master,  as  she  walked 
in,  after  a  subdued  rap,  and  closed  the  door  be 
hind  her,  "  I  have  sent  for  you  upon  an  impor 
tant  and  rather  confidential  errand."  Margot 
courtesied.  Colonel  Moncriffe  was  turning  over 
papers  on  his  desk,  and  kept  his  eyes  carefully 


FAREWELL" 


MARGOT  DOES  HER  DUTY  231 

averted,  as  the  shrewd  old  woman  was  quick  to 
notice. 

"  I  presume  that  you  have  understood  from  the 
fact  of  his  visits  and  his  close  relations  with 
the  family  that  Colonel  Tarleton  is  a  suitor  for  the 
hand  of  my  daughter.  As  the  rebellion  in  the  pro 
vince  keeps  him  perpetually  upon  the  move,  he  is 
desirous  of  taking  his  bride  as  soon  as  the  next 
victory  permits  of  his  going  North  to  join  the  com 
mander  in  chief,  and  from  his  last  letter  I  am  of 
the  opinion  that  our  arms  will  speedily.be  trium 
phant  in  the  Carolinas.  Therefore,  within  the 
coming  month  I  feel  assured  that  we  may  prepare 
for  a  wedding  at  Glenmoira,  and  have  sent  for  you 
to  inquire  what  amount  of  preparation  will  be 
necessary  to  make  this  the  grandest  event  of  its 
kind  ever  given  in  the  province." 

"  A  wedding !  "  said  Margot  in  the  most  respect 
ful  of  tones,  but  with  a  glint  in  her  eye  which 
boded  no  good  to  the  speaker.  "  Weel,  I  'm  think 
ing,  wi'  due  respect  to  your  wishes,  that  it  wad 
be  mair  harmonious  for  a'  concerned  if  my  young 
leddy  gave  her  consent  first." 

"  What  do  you  mean,  woman  ? "  asked  the 
colonel,  falling  back  in  his  chair,  and  gazing  at 
her  with  amazement  and  wrath  plainly  written  on 
his  countenance.  "  What  do  you  know  about  my 
daughter's  private  affairs?  " 

"  I  ken  mickle,  an'  I  speir  more.  'T  is  idle 
sparring  between  you  an'  me,  sir ;  have  I  not 
been  confidential  maid  to  the  mistress  before  even 


232  A  PRETTY  TORY 

my  young  leddy  was  born,  an'  d'  ye  think  Mar- 
got's  eyes  were  blind  all  these  years  ?  I  've  seen 
one  life  wither  an'  pass  away  because  of  your 
schemes  an'  wily  ways,  an'  I  promised  the  mistress 
on  her  dying  bed  that  if  ever  I  saw  ye  trying  the 
same  game  wi'  her  child  I  'd  stop  it,  —  an'  the  hour 
has  come." 

"  What  damned  nonsense  have  you  got  into  your 
head  ?  "  cried  the  colonel,  purple  with  rage.  "  Leave 
the  room,  and  leave  the  house,  for  I  will  not  sub 
mit  to  yoyr  insolence  !  "  Margot  looked  at  him 
steadily,  but  he  refused  to  meet  her  glance. 

"  It 's  no  for  me  to  tell  ye  that  my  young  leddy 
is  near  to  break  her  heart  wi'  the  pressure  ye  are 
bringing  down  on  her,  for  ye  ken  yoursel'  weel 
eno'  the  burden  she  has  to  bear  frae  your  wrath 
an'  the  importunity  of  yon  bloody  Englishman. 
Why  ye  should  be  sae  set  on  the  marriage  I  hae 
bothered  my  brain,  but  I  '11  think  nae  mair  aboot 
it,  for  wi'  due  respect  to  ye,  Colonel  Moncriffe, 
without  my  young  leddy 's  consent  that  marriage 
will  ne'er  tak  place  while  Margot  has  words  to 
speak  an'  breath  to  tell  them." 

"  Your  words,  upon  which  you  lay  such  ridic 
ulous  stress,  have  very  little  to  do  with  the  mat 
ter.  Within  a  month  my  daughter  weds  Colonel 
Tarleton,  and  you  will  be  packed  back  to  Scot 
land." 

"  I  'm  thankin'  ye  for  my  passage,"  said  Mar- 
got  coolly,  "  but  bide  a  wee,  an'  hear  what  the 
auld  wife  has  to  say.  So  sure  as  ye  persist  in 


MARGOT  DOES  HER  DUTY  233 

bringing  doun  despair  an'  unhappiness  on  Mis 
tress  Geraldine's  bonnie  head,  Margot  will  keep 
your  secret  nae  longer.  How  will  it  sound  in  the 
city  —  aye,  an'  across  the  water,  where  ye  hold  up 
your  head  sae  high  —  if  they  find  out  how  ye  mak 
your  money,  an'  the  sin  an'  disgrace  that  sticks 
to  ivery  gold  piece  which  passes  through  your 
fingers." 

"  My  God  !  "  The  man  sank  back  in  his  chair, 
huddled  in  a  heap,  trembling  among  the  cushions, 
and  regarded  her  with  wide-open  terror-stricken 
eyes.  "  How  did  you  know  —  what  am  I  saying  ? 
It 's  a  foul  lie,  and  your  tongue  should  be  torn  out 
for  uttering  it." 

"  Ma  tongue  is  safe  eno',"  said  Margot  firmly, 
"  an'  what  I  know,  I  know,  an'  I  can  give  my  testi 
mony.  But  ye  '11  never  come  to  that,  sir ;  ye  '11 
never  let  Margot  tell  how  ye  are  a  "  — 

"  Stop !  "  shrieked  the  proud  man,  trying  to 
rise,  but  unable  to  do  so  from  absolute  fright  and 
agitation,  "  the  walls  have  ears,  woman.  At  least 
I  can  command  you  to  hold  your  peace." 

"  Aye,  sir,"  returned  Margot,  with  an  air  of 
submission  which  completed  her  conquest.  "  I  felt 
quite  sure  that  ye  wad  never  compel  my  young 
leddy  to  break  her  heart  by  wedding  yon  cruel 
monster  (for  the  tales  they  tell  o'  him  mak  the  hair 
raise  on  one's  head),  an'  Margot  has  nae  right  to 
meddle  save  when  her  promise  to  the  dead  maun 
be  keepit.  I  hae  but  done  ma  duty,  sir,  an'  if  ye 
please,  wi'  that  clear  in  my  mind  an'  a  gude  con- 


234  A  PRETTY  TORY 

science,  I'll  gang  doun  and  see  that  the  blacks 
arrange  the  drawing-room  wi'  proper  attention  to 
cleanliness,"  and  Margot  dropped  her  lowest 
courtesy  as  she  closed  the  door,  a  victor  to  the  tips 
of  her  fingers. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 

AT    COWPENS 

IT  was  a  bright,  crisp  January  day,  and  in 
Marion's  camp  at  Snow  Island  there  was  unusual 
activity  even  for  that  tireless  command,  for  the 
famous  partisan  leader  had  returned  with  a  body 
of  his  troopers,  the  evening  before,  from  one  of  the 
expeditions  which  he  had  successfully  planned 
against  the  British,  having  captured  a  wagon-train 
of  ammunition  which  was  joyfully  welcome  to  the 
command. 

Snow  Island,  Marion's  favorite  rendezvous,  was 
a  piece  of  high  river  swamp,  as  it  is  called  in  the 
Carolinas,  and  was  surmounted  on  three  sides  by 
water,  so  as  to  be  almost  impregnable,  and  he  ren 
dered  it  even  more  so  by  destroying  all  bridges 
to  the  mainland,  securing  his  boats  carefully,  and 
placing  defenses  where  it  was  necessary.  The  is 
land  was  a  perfect  labyrinth  of  paths,  overgrown 
with  vines  and  Southern  vegetation,  and  almost 
impassable  for  one  to  traverse  who  was  not  famil 
iar  with  its  tortuous  ways.  The  British  had 
never  been  able  to  find  it,  even  by  aid  of  their 
Indian  allies,  and  there  the  patriots  found  their 
one  secure  retreat  either  for  rest,  or  for  planning 
further  action. 


236  A  PRETTY  TORY 

To  Roy  Telfair,  this  higher,  purer  air,  and  the 
life  under  the  trees,  was  a  veritable  salvation  after 
his  long  illness,  and  Marion,  rejoiced  at  his  rescue, 
for  a  long  time  forbade  him  any  active  service,  be 
yond  an  occasional  errand  to  the  mainland.  The 
gloom  that  had  descended  upon  the  patriots  after 
the  disastrous  battle  of  Camden  was  dispelled 
by  the  spirited  action  at  King's  Mountain,  and 
now  the  tide  seemed  to  be  upon  the  turn,  as  the 
regular  troops  had  had  a  series  of  successful  skir 
mishes  in  different  localities  since  Morgan  had 
come  to  the  Carolinas  and  divided  the  army  under 
General  Greene.  Tarleton  had  been  detached 
with  his  newly  recruited  legion,  now  some  eleven 
hundred  strong,  and  was  marching  along  the 
banks  of  the  Pacolet,  while  Morgan  with  the 
American  force  was  between  the  Catawba  and  the 
Black  rivers,  advancing  with  a  rapidity  unknown 
to  the  British  commander. 

This  was  the  situation  and  these  the  tidings 
that  Marion's  scouts  had  brought,  and  even  now 
the  gallant  partisan  was  debating  whether  to  con 
tinue  his  harrying  of  the  British  or  to  proceed  with 
the  main  body  of  his  command  to  join  Morgan  on 
the  Catawba.  Being  an  irregular  force  of  horse, 
composed  chiefly  of  the  militia  of  Georgia  and  the 
Carolinas,  much  was  left  (and  wisely)  to  Marion's 
judgment  and  foresight  in  the  matter  of  his  mili 
tary  movements. 

Roy  Telfair  was  busily  engaged  in  overlooking 
the  condition  of  his  horse  (for  which,  since  that 


AT  COWPENS  237 

animal's  gallant  service,  he  had  cherished  the  ut 
most  regard),  and  came  whistling  along  a  shady 
path  on  his  way  to  more  open  ground  when  he 
suddenly  saw  Colonel  Marion  advancing  toward 
him. 

"  Well  met,"  said  Marion,  as  the  young  officer 
halted  beside  him.  "  I  was  coming  to  look  for 
you.  Do  you  think  you  are  able  now  for  active 
service  ?  " 

"  Both  ready  and  eager,  sir ;  nothing  could  de 
light  me  more,  for  —  though,  thanks  to  your  un 
tiring  care,  I  have  enjoyed  my  return  to  health  and 
strength  —  I  am  absolutely  pining  to  feel  the  sad 
dle  beneath  me  and  be  off." 

"  You  shall  have  your  wish,"  said  Marion,  smil 
ing  at  the  ready  spirit  which  was  so  like  his  own. 
*'  I  am  about  to  send  dispatches  to  Colonel  Mor 
gan  ;  the  service  must  be  secret,  and  taken  at  once. 
He  is  somewhere  between  the  Black  and  the  Ca- 
tawba,  but  the  scouts  report  him  coming  south 
westerly,  and  you  will  need  to  exercise  great  care, 
for  Tarleton  is  coming  up  to  intercept  him,  and 
there  may  be  a  battle." 

"  Nothing  would  please  me  more."  A  hot 
sparkle  rose  in  Koy's  sunny  eyes  at  the  mention  of 
Tarleton' s  name.  "  When  do  I  start,  sir  ?  I  am 
ready." 

"  Then  come  with  me,"  responded  Marion,  link 
ing  his  arm  in  Roy's,  "  and  I  will  tell  you  what 
the  dispatches  contain,  lest  by  some  mischance 
you  may  have  to  destroy  them  to  prevent  their 


238  A  PRETTY  TORY 

falling  into  other  hands  than  those  for  whom  they 
are  intended." 

Some  two  hours  after,  Telfair,  with  his  good 
horse,  saddle-bags  containing  food  and  ammunition, 
and  his  dispatches  safely  hidden  in  his  coat,  was 
ferried  by  boat  to  the  mainland,  starting  thus  on 
the  trail  to  find  Morgan.  McKay,  somewhat  en 
vious  of  his  friend's  good  fortune,  but  also  rejoi 
cing  that  he  was  so  honored,  accompanied  him,  and 
when  the  boat,  paddled  by  Ossaba,  drew  in  to  the 
shore  he  stayed  a  moment  to  bid  farewell. 

"  It  hardly  seems  fair  to  separate  us,"  he  said 
with  a  regretful  sigh,  "  but  when  I  recollect  the 
skeleton  you  were  when  you  landed  here,  I  am  fain 
to  thank  kind  Heaven  that  you  can  take  the  field 
again.  Is  there  anything  I  can  do  for  you  here  ?  " 

"Nothing,"  answered  Roy;  and  then  as  his 
glance  fell  on  Ossaba,  he  stepped  back  and  said 
softly,  "  only  this.  If  aught  befall  me  and  I  fail 
to  report  within  reasonable  time,  contrive  to  send 
tidings  of  me  by  Ossaba." 

"  To  Dumblane  ;  aye,  man,  of  course  "  — 

"  I  had  also  said  to  Glenmoira,"  interposed  Roy, 
a  flush  mounting  to  his  bronzed  cheek. 

"  Oh,"  returned  McKay  with  a  light  laugh. 
"  Have  care,  Telfair,  the  Pretty  Tory  is,  they  say, 
dangerously  charming." 

"  I  have  always  found  her  so  ;  nay,  McKay,  't  is 
no  new  or  light  affair,  but  one  for  life,  please  God, 
though  in  these  troublous  times  I  care  not  to  pub 
lish  the  matter,"  and  lifting  his  hat  in  farewell 


AT  COWPENS  239 

Roy  rode  away,  leaving  McKay  divided  between 
amazement  and  chagrin  at  his  own  stupidity. 

Telf air's  ride  was  not  destined  to  be  a  very  long 
one,  but  he  spent  the  first  night  on  the  trail,  find 
ing  it  safer  to  travel  under  cover  of  darkness,  and 
rest  at  noonday.  He  knew  the  country  well,  hav 
ing  ridden  over  a  great  part  of  it  on  previous  raids, 
and  he  spared  his  horse  all  he  could  lest  he  should 
be  called  upon  to  press  him  for  serious  work. 

Traveling  thus  steadily  northward,  Telfair  came 
to  the  Pacolet  River,  and  approached  it  warily, 
knowing  that  Tarleton  could  not  be  far  distant. 
Searching  for  a  ford  was  loss  of  time,  and  he  rode 
carefully  along  the  bank,  intending  to  swim  his 
horse  across,  when  suddenly  there  rode  into  view 
from  the  thicket  on  his  left  two  horsemen,  who  in 
stead  of  dashing  upon  him,  drew  rein,  and  awaited 
his  approach.  With  his  hand  on  his  pistol  Roy 
rode  straight  for  them,  and  as  he  came  nearer  his 
heart  throbbed  high,  for  the  uniforms  they  wore 
were  the  brave  old  buff  and  blue. 

"  Halt,  sir  !  "  cried  one  of  the  officers,  a  tall, 
fine-looking  man,  who  wore  the  rank  of  colonel, 
"  from  whence  do  ye  come,  and  whither  away  ?  " 

"  I  am  at  present  in  search  of  a  spot  to  cross 
the  river,  sir,  but  I  think  I  see  before  me  those  of 
the  force  I  seek,"  returned  Roy,  saluting.  "  My 
name  is  Telfair,  and  I  have  the  honor  to  bear  a 
dispatch  from  Colonel  Marion  to  General  Mor- 
gan." 

*'  Thrice  welcome,"  said  the  first  speaker,  extend- 


240  A  PRETTY  TORY 

ing  his  hand  with  frank  comradeship.  "  I  am 
Colonel  William  Washington,  commanding  the 
cavalry  corps  attached  to  General  Morgan's  com 
mand,  and  am  with  my  men  (back  there  half  a 
mile)  about  to  join  him  as  he  has  marched  just 
ahead  of  me  to  Burn's  Mills,  on  Thicketty  Creek, 
a  few  miles  farther  north.  You  had  better  join 
us,  as  we  take  the  shortest  route  we  know,  unless, 
perhaps,  being  a  follower  of  the  Swamp  Fox,  you 
may  have  greater  knowledge  of  the  locality  than  I 
can  boast  of." 

"  By  no  means,  sir,  although  should  you  desire 
me  to  act  as  scout  it  will  afford  me  the  greatest 
pleasure  to  do  so." 

"  I  thank  you,  but  we  have  several  to  act  in  that 
capacity,  and  Howard  here,"  turning  to  the  other 
officer  with  a  laugh,  "  has  an  Indian  girl  who,  he 
swears,  for  lightness  of  foot  and  keenness  of  vision 
has  never  been  surpassed." 

"  And  rarely  equaled,"  returned  Colonel  How 
ard,  of  the  Maryland  brigade,  as  he  bowed  cour 
teously  to  Telfair.  "  Since  we  chanced  upon  her 
two  days  ago,  she  has  shrewdly  pointed  out  sev 
eral  trails  of  value,  and  besides  she  carries  safe- 
conduct  signed  by  Colonel  Marion." 

"  Laceola !  "  was  Roy's  surprised  exclamation, 
and  as  he  spoke  her  name  the  girl  stepped  out 
upon  the  bank  from  behind  a  willow  tree,  where  she 
had  remained  concealed  during  this  short  colloquy. 

"  The  Bounding  Elk  knows  Laceola,"  she  said, 
with  smiling  eyes  of  welcome ;  "  she  has  scouted 


AT  COWPENS  241 

many  a  trail  for  him  and  the  Rangers  of  the 
Swamp  Fox." 

"  You  're  well  vouched  for,  my  girl,"  said  Wash 
ington,  as  Roy  bent  from  his  saddle  and  took 
Laceola's  hand,  "  but  we  must  not  delay  farther, 
as  we  have  news  that  Tarleton  is  not  far  behind, 
and  we  must  keep  the  force  undivided.  Your 
rank,  sir,  is  —  ah,  captain ;  then,  Captain  Telfair, 
we  will  follow  your  scout  to  the  ford,  which  she 
tells  us  lies  some  quarter  of  a  mile  in  yonder  di 
rection,"  and  the  three  officers  turned  their  horses 
and  trotted  briskly  away. 

Some  forty  miles  in  the  rear  of  Colonel  Wash 
ington's  cavalry,  marching  rapidly  to  cross  the 
Pacolet  and  prevent  (as  he  supposed)  Greene's 
reinforcements  from  joining  Morgan,  came  Tarle 
ton  riding  at  the  head  of  his  column  with  Halleck 
in  close  conversation.  Tarleton  was  in  the  highest 
spirits ;  he  had  set  an  iron  heel  upon  the  Caro- 
linas  during  the  past  three  months,  routing  Sumter 
and  proving  successful  in  many  small  raids ;  the 
only  antagonist  whom  he  could  neither  capture  nor 
surprise  being  the  wily  and  dashing  Marion,  and 
so  sensitive  was  Tarleton  upon  this  score  that  by 
common  consent  not  an  officer  in  his  legion  men 
tioned  in  his  hearing  the  name  of  the  redoubtable 
Swamp  Fox. 

"  Tarleton,"  said  Halleck,  "  Cornwallis  seems 
to  think  this  campaign  will  be  prolonged  into  the 
spring,  unless  we  can  annihilate  Morgan  and  force 
him  into  a  position  equivalent  to  being  between 
the  devil  and  the  deep  sea," 


242  A  PRETTY  TORY 

"  In  which  I  play  the  part  of  the  devil,"  laughed 
Tarleton.  "  Well,  the  role  suits  me  passing  well. 
Cornwallis  knows  Morgan  —  he  remembers  Sara 
toga  ;  see,  here  is  his  last  letter  to  me,"  and  put 
ting  his  hand  in  the  breast  of  his  coat  Tarleton 
drew  forth  the  paper  which  he  read  aloud. 

CAMP-IN-THE-FIELD,  January  15. 

DEAR  TARLETON,  —  I  sent  Haldane  to  you  last 
night,  to  desire  you  would  pass  the  Broad  River 
with  the  legion  and  the  first  battalion  of  the  71st 
as  soon  as  possible.  If  Morgan  is  anywhere  within 
your  reach  I  should  wish  you  to  push  him  to  the 
utmost.  No  time  is  to  be  lost. 

Yours  sincerely, 

CORNWALLIS.1 

"  Short  and  to  the  point,"  said  Halleck. 
"  Faith,  Tarleton,  after  this  you  can  go  back  to 
seek  your  fair  Geraldine  in  the  character  of  a  con 
quering  hero." 

Tarleton's  face  clouded,  but  he  forced  a  laugh  as 
he  replied,  "  Oh,  aye,  but  I  own  I  aspire  to  be  a 
conqueror  in  the  court  of  love  as  much  as  in  the 
field  of  war.  Moncriffe  writes  that  he  is  even 
now  discussing  the  preparations  for  our  wedding." 

"  I  never  expected  to  see  you  gaze  with  such 
calmness  upon  the  forging  of  your  fetters," 
laughed  Halleck,  who  could  seldom  refrain  from 
teasing  his  friend.  But  Tarleton  would  not  pur 
sue  the  subject,  and  after  a  moment  resumed  his 
1  See  Tarleton's  Campaigns. 


AT  COWPENS  243 

discussion  of  the  campaign  as  they  rode  rapidly  on 
toward  the  river. 

In  the  mean  time,  General  Morgan,  having  re 
ceived  news  that  Tarleton  was  in  close  pursuit, 
halted  his  forces  for  one  night  only  at  Thicketty 
Creek,  and  by  the  time  that  Colonel  Washington's 
column  joined  him,  he  was  climbing  a  mountain 
road,  and  then  striking  a  by-path,  descended  and 
encamped  at  Cowpens.  Not  until  nightfall  of  that 
day  did  Roy  Telfair  obtain  opportunity  to  deliver 
his  dispatch,  and  when  summoned,  he  found  the 
general  in  council  with  his  officers. 

"From  Colonel  Marion,  sir,"  said  Roy,  as  he 
saluted  and  fell  back,  rejoiced  at  the  chance  thus 
afforded  to  meet  the  hero  of  many  battles,  and 
one  of  the  most  strikingly  handsome  men  of  the 
times.  Standing  over  six  feet,  with  magnificent 
physique,  an  eye  keen  as  an  eagle's,  a  smile  kindly 
as  a  woman's,  Morgan  was  a  leader  calculated  to 
inspire  enthusiasm  and  devotion.  He  read  the  dis 
patch,  and  beckoned  Roy  to  approach. 

"  I  thank  you,  sir,  for  your  speed,  but  the  for 
tunes  of  war  compelled  me  to  bring  you  hither. 
Colonel  Marion's  offer  of  bringing  his  command 
to  join  me  is  fully  appreciated,  but  at  present  I 
cannot  order  him  to  do  so.  We  must  meet  the 
enemy  to-morrow  with  what  force  I  have,  and  God 
defend  the  cause  of  freedom ! "  He  paused  a 
moment,  glanced  around  the  circle,  and  again 
addressed  Roy. 

"  Do  you  prefer  to  return,  or  to  stop  with  me 


244  A  PRETTY  TORY 

on  the  eve  of  a  battle  ?  Aye," —  he  smiled  as 
Roy's  answer  was  written  on  his  eloquent  face,  — 
"  I  thought  it  would  be  so ;  young  blood  ever 
warms  at  the  clash  of  arms,  and  my  own  has  not 
yet  grown  too  old  to  do  the  same.  I  can  give  you 
a  staff  appointment  for  the  time  being.  Washing 
ton,  what  say  you  to  a  recruit  from  Marion's 
forces  ?  " 

"  With  great  pleasure,  general,"  replied  Colo 
nel  Washington.  "  I  could  not  ask  a  better  aide- 
de-camp  than  Captain  Telfair." 

"  So  be  it ;  you  have  hard  work  before  you,  sir, 
and  plenty  of  it.  We  all  know  Tarleton ;  what 's 
that?"  as  loud  cheers  were  heard  on  the  right. 

"  Colonel  Pickens,  general,  who  has  crossed  the 
Broad  River  and  brings  with  him  an  hundred  and 
fifty  men,"  said  an  officer,  springing  from  his 
horse,  and  extending  his  hand  to  Morgan.  But 
the  general  threw  his  arms  around  him,  and  fairly 
hugged  the  gallant  Pickens  in  his  delight  at  seeing 
him. 

There  was  little  sleep  in  the  American  camp 
that  night,  and  for  Morgan  there  was  no  repose. 
Company  after  company  of  militia  poured  in,  all 
eager  to  join  the  "  Border  Eagle  "  in  the  coming 
fight,  and  no  one  knew  better  than  he  how  to 
mould  together  the  homogeneous  material.  His 
very  presence  inspired  them  with  confidence ;  his 
dignity  and  courage,  with  his  fame  as  a  leader  who 
had  never  met  defeat,  combined  to  fill  that  little 
army  of  eight  hundred  with  the  wildest  enthusiasm, 


AT  COWPENS  245 

and  by  the  time  morning  dawned  over  the  field  of 
Cowpens  every  man  was  burning  for  the  fight, 
sure  that  success  depended  upon  his  individual 
prowess. 

It  was  not  more  than  three  o'clock  in  the  morn 
ing  when  an  advance  guard  of  Tarle ton's  cavalry 
drove  one  of  Morgan's  patrols  into  camp,  and  the 
general,  who  had  been  endeavoring  to  snatch  a  few 
minutes'  rest,  began  at  once  to  post  his  detach 
ments.  After  the  militia  were  placed,  came  the 
regulars,  and  Eoy  found  himself  upon  a  slight 
eminence,  about  a  hundred  and  fifty  yards  in  the 
rear  of  the  main  body,  with  Colonel  Washington 
and  his  cavalry  as  a  support  to  the  militia,  and 
back  of  them  were  the  extra  horses,  saddled  and 
bridled  for  any  emergency. 

Roy,  sent  for  a  moment  by  Colonel  Washington 
to  see  if  the  horses  were  properly  secured  and 
attended,  went  on  foot  to  execute  the  errand,  and 
as  he  stood  inspecting  the  position,  in  the  early 
dawn,  he  heard  the  low  sound  of  a  voice  proceeding 
from  some  underbrush  near  him,  and  stepped  aside 
to  see  who  and  what  it  was.  Peering  through  the 
bushes,  what  was  his  surprise  to  see  the  giant  form 
of  Morgan  kneeling  on  the  grass,  and  to  overhear 
his  supplication :  — 

"  Thou  knowest,  O  Lord,  that  I  shall  be  very 
busy  this  day ;  if  I  forget  Thee,  do  not  Thou  for 
get  me,  nor  Thy  sacred  cause  of  Freedom  and  Lib 
erty  with  which  Thou  hast  imbued  the  souls  of  our 
people.  They  say  that  Morgan  never  fears,  they 


246  A  PRETTY  TORT 

say  that  Morgan  never  prays,  but  Thou  knowest, 
O  Lord,  that  he  is  terribly  afraid  at  times,  and 
that  he  prays  to-day  that  he  may  have  courage  to 
smite  the  enemy  hip  and  thigh,  to  Thy  Eternal 
glory,  Amen  !  "  1 

As  softly  as  he  came,  Roy  sped  away,  his  heart 
swelling  as  he  thought  that  nothing  could  ever  con 
quer  a  people  who  prayed  as  fervently  as  they 
fought. 

And  that  day,  as  always,  the  little  band  of  de 
voted  patriots  fought  nobly,  fought  with  a  dogged 
determination,  a  desperate  coolness,  which  made 
the  battle  of  Cowpens  the  decisive  combat  of  the 
South,  and  its  results  far-reaching  in  the  war  of 
independence.  From  the  moment  when  Tarleton 
himself  led  the  opening  attack  to  the  time  when 
the  militia,  mistaking  an  order,  retreated,  breaking 
their  lines  (and  deceiving  the  British  thereby, 
who  imagined  a  victory  was  achieved),  the  combat 
went  on  with  glory  for  the  American  arms.  But 
what  seemed  a  calamity  was  turned  into  a  victory 
by  the  splendid  military  genius  of  Morgan  and 
Howard,  and  as  Howard's  main  line  ascended  the 
second  eminence  the  word  "  Halt  "  was  given.  A 
moment's  pause,  and  Morgan's  grand  voice  rang 
down  the  hill :  - 

"  Face  about,  one  good  fire,  and  the  victory  is 
ours !  " 

On  rushed  the  Marylanders ;  Lee  with  his  fa 
mous  Virginia  horsemen  were  on  the  height,  and 

1  See  Graham's  Life  of  Morgan. 


AT  COWPENS  247 

Washington  in  the  rear  thundered  as  he  rose  in 
his  stirrups,  "  Charge  !  "  Before  that  glorious 
onslaught  the  British  lines  wavered,  and  then  went 
down,  and  lay,  conquered,  at  the  feet  of  the  pa 
triots. 

"  Come  on,"  shouted  Washington  to  Roy  Tel- 
fair,  as  they  saw  a  handful  of  the  17th  Dragoons 
headed  by  Tarleton  himself,  who  essayed  to  rally 
his  men ;  but  finding  his  efforts  vain,  the  British 
commander  turned  to  flee.  Nothing  loath,  Roy 
dashed  ahead,  distancing  even  Washington  himself 
in  his  wild  eagerness  to  cross  swords  again  with 
Tarleton,  this  time  on  equal  terms.  Tarleton,  turn 
ing  in  his  saddle,  saw  the  two,  and  drew  his  rein. 

"  To  the  rescue,  Halleck,"  he  shouted,  and,  wheel 
ing  as  he  spoke,  met  Roy's  sabre-stroke  with  an 
other  equally  fierce,  while  Halleck  crossed  swords 
with  Washington.  Suddenly  Washington's  sword, 
being  of  inferior  steel,  broke  near  the  hilt,  and 
Halleck  rose  in  his  stirrups  to  give  a  final  blow  to 
Telfair,  who  was  pressing  Tarleton  hard.  But  be 
fore  either  British  officer  could  accomplish  his 
purpose,  a  slight  form  rose  from  the  ground,  a  pis 
tol  shot  rang  in  the  air  and  Halleck' s  uplifted 
sword  fell  from  his  hand,  to  be  grasped  by  Colonel 
Washington,  who  turned  upon  Tarleton  with  the 
utmost  fury,  as  Laceola  staggered  back,  struck  by 
a  passing  bullet.  Up  dashed  the  troopers  to 
Washington's  aid,  and  the  pursuit  of  Tarleton 
across  the  field  began.  But  as  he  saw  the  flight 
of  his  enemy,  Roy  sprang  from  his  saddle,  and 


248  A  PRETTY  TORY 

lifted  the  Indian  girl  from  the  spot  where  she  had 
fallen. 

"  Laceola  !  "  he  cried.  "  Oh,  my  God,  are  you 
wounded  ?  "  Laceola  opened  her  dark  eyes  ;  a 
flood  of  light  beamed  in  their  beautiful  depths  as 
she  smiled  up  in  the  anxious  face  above  her. 

"  It  is  nothing,"  she  said  softly ;  "  the  Bound 
ing  Elk  must  not  grieve,"  and  then  she  lay  sense 
less  in  his  arms. 


CHAPTER  XIX 

WHO   WINS? 

FROM  the  disastrous  field  of  Covvpens,  stunned 
with  its  surprises,  filled  with  rage  at  his  defeat 
by  a  force  three  hundred  less  than  his  own, 
Tarleton  fled  with  unequaled  rapidity,  pursued  by 
Washington  and  his  cavalry  for  twenty  miles.  He 
had  managed  to  secure  Halleck's  bridle-rein,  and 
with  the  devotion  that  he  frequently  displayed 
toward  his  friends,  contrived  to  have  a  trooper  take 
special  charge  of  his  wounded  comrade,  and  con 
duct  him  aside  from  the  main  trail  where  he  could 
find  aid  and  succor,  while  he  kept  the  Americans 
still  in  pursuit  of  himself  and  his  handful  of  the 
17th  Dragoons,  and  reached  at  last  the  bank  of 
the  Broad  River,  from  whence  he  could  easily  com 
municate  with  Cornwallis  at  Winsborough  Court 
House.  And  there,  the  Americans  having  turned 
back  to  rejoin  Morgan,  Tarleton  remained  over  a 
day  and  night,  to  endeavor  to  recover  from  his 
chagrin,  and  send  dispatches  to  his  superior  officer. 
The  slight  wound  which  he  had  received  from 
Washington  burned  with  consuming  fire,  and  his 
haughty  spirit  could  ill  brook  the  humiliation  of 
being  worsted,  with  Roy  Telfair  as  witness  of  his 
discomfiture. 


250  A  PRETTY  TORY 

Bivouacking  thus,  on  the  farther  bank  of  the 
river,  Tarleton  was  reached  and  found  the  next 
day  by  Burt,  who,  having  passed  the  trooper  sent  to 
report  to  Cornwallis,  obtained  from  him  tidings  of 
Tarleton's  whereabouts,  and  was  thus  able  to  fetch 
before  his  commander  the  scout  who  brought  a  re 
turn  message  from  headquarters. 

"  Burt,"  called  Tarleton,  some  half  hour  later, 
during  which  the  British  officer  had  been  pacing 
hastily  up  and  down  the  narrow  limits  of  his  biv 
ouac,  "  are  you  ready  to  start  again  ?  " 

"  Aye,  sir  ;  after  my  horse  is  fed ;  he  is  at  pre 
sent  taking  a  much  needed  meal." 

"  I  go  forward  at  daybreak,"  said  Tarleton, 
"  and  join  Lord  Cornwallis  for  special  conference. 
But  I  wish  to  dispatch  you  southward  with  all 
speed.  I  have  written  two  letters,"  pulling  the 
somewhat  soiled  papers  from  his  breast  as  he 
spoke ;  "  they  are,  as  you  see,  for  Mistress  Mon- 
criffe  and  her  father.  You  will  ride  dispatch  from 
here,  crossing  the  Edisto  at  the  point  where  a  de 
tachment  of  our  troops  are  watching  Marion's 
movements,  and  thence  to  Savannah.  I  shall  prob 
ably  follow  you  shortly,  and  send  you  in  advance 
to  announce  my  presence  at  Glenmoira.  Keep  a 
silent  tongue  to  all  outside  the  plantation  as  to  my 
anticipated  trip ;  if  you  need  money,  apply  to  the 
commandant  at  Fort  Wayne.  That  is  all,"  and 
turning  moodily  away  Tarleton  resumed  his  restless 
walk  to  and  fro. 

The    fourth  day    after  Burt    started  upon   his 


WHO   WINS?  251 

errand  he  drew  rein,  as  he  walked  his  somewhat 
tired  horse  slowly  down  the  main  street  of  the  lit 
tle  village  of  Ebenezer.  Not  only  was  the  German 
settlement  his  shortest  route,  but  he  knew  he  could 
obtain  a  fresh  mount  from  the  British  garrison 
there,  and  moreover  he  had  a  commission  of  his 
own  to  execute.  As  he  drew  near  the  door  of  the 
smithy,  he  saw  within  Wilhelm  himself,  at  work 
at  his  anvil. 

"  Good-day,  friend,"  called  Burt,  as  the  black 
smith  paused,  hearing  the  sound  of  horse's  hoofs. 
"  'T  is  some  months  since  we  met,  but  I  trust  I 
shall  not  have  to  recall  myself  to  your  memory 
after  the  manner  of  last  time  ;  "  and  he  laughed  at 
the  recollection,  as  Wilhelm  came  forth  with 
hearty  welcome. 

"  What  news  to-day?"  asked  the  German,  hav 
ing  shaken  hands  lustily.  "  Art  the  bringer  of 
good  tidings  ?  " 

"  That  depends  much  upon  to  whom  I  am  speak 
ing,"  returned  Burt  with  a  shrewd  twinkle  of  his 
eye.  "  Last  time  I  shocked  your  ears  and  my  own 
with  the  account  of  the  massacre  at  Waxhaw ;  to 
day  I  bring  news  of  a  terrible  defeat  at  Cowpens  "  — 

"  Alas,  alas !  "  groaned  the  smith. 

"  Nay,  man,  you  are  in  too  great  haste,  and  did 
not  hear  all  my  news.  What  do  you  say  to  Tarle- 
ton's  forces  being  crushed  —  aye,  almost  wiped 
out,  with  the  prisoners  counted  in  —  by  General 
Daniel  Morgan  of  the  Continental  Army,  and 
Tarleton  himself  put  to  flight  with  a  handful  of 
troopers,  of  which  I  am  one." 


252  A  PRETTY  TORT 

"  Huzza  !  "  cried  the  smith,  seizing  his  hat  and 
flinging  it  so  high  in  the  air  that  it  caught  on  a 
bough  of  the  tree  under  which  they  stood,  and 
dangled  there  just  out  of  his  reach.  Burt  laughed, 
and  the  German  surveyed  his  exploit  with  a  rather 
sheepish  air,  but  he  said,  "The  news  is  worth 
my  old  hat ;  what  will  the  garrison  yonder  say  to 
it?" 

"  I  shall  proceed  to  condole  with  them,"  replied 
Burt  dryly.  "  But  what  I  paused  for  was  to  ascer 
tain  how  fell  out  our  little  affair  which  was  so  ably 
planned  to  secure  the  fort  at  Savannah  ?  " 

"  We  could  not  work  it ;  when  you  left  the 
train  was  well  laid,  but  it  required  more  men  than 
the  Swamp  Fox  could  well  spare  at  the  time,  as  he 
was  sent  for  to  go  to  a  place  where  a  battle  was 
fought." 

"  That  was  Camden,  and  a  fine  fool's  errand 
Gates  sent  Marion  upon  that  time  !  Well,  't  was 
a  good  scheme,  that  of  ours,  and  one  I  spent  much 
time  and  trouble  over,  but  it  was  not  to  be  for  all 
my  pains.  I  must  be  off,  so  fare  you  well." 

The  Cherokee  roses  were  beginning  to  bud  and 
olossom  in  the  hedges  at  Glenmoira  some  ten  days 
later,  and  the  softest  air  and  sunshine  greeted 
Tarleton  as  he  rode  up  the  avenue  in  his  most 
carefully  appointed  fashion.  Obtaining  a  brief 
leave  from  Cornwallis,  and  combining  with  an 
elaborately  planned  military  movement  his  own  in 
tended  marriage,  he  had  arrived  at  Savannah  the 


WHO  WINS?  253 

day  previous,  and  putting  up  at  the  fort,  was  the 
guest  of  Colonel  Prevost.  He  had  expected  no 
reply  to  his  letters  announcing  his  speedy  arrival, 
and  he  grew  more  and  more  impatient  as  he  came 
nearer  the  scene  of  his  anticipated  conquest.  For 
Tarleton  had  determined  that  he  would  be  patient 
no  longer,  but  press  his  wooing  to  a  triumphant 
conclusion. 

In  the  door  of  the  mansion  stood  Jupiter,  drawn 
thither  by  the  sound  of  the  horse's  feet,  and  he 
came  down  the  steps  with  due  deliberation,  in  his 
heart  most  devoutly  wishing  that  the  "  raidcoat 
colonel "  was  where  he  came  from. 

"  Yo'  servant,  sir,"  he  began,  bowing,  and 
Jupiter's  bow  was  a  study,  and  always  graduated 
in  proportion  to  his  regard.  "  Marse  Colonel  has 
not  entirely  made  his  toilet  dis  mornin',  but  yo' 
mus'  'cuse  him,  sar,  'caise  he  dun  know  de  honah 
you  'se  payin'  him." 

"  Jupiter,  you  old  rascal,"  shouted  the  voice  of 
Colonel  Moncriffe  as  he  appeared  in  the  door  just 
in  time  to  hear  this  apology,  "take  that  horse 
around  and  be  quick  about  it,"  and  he  grasped 
Tarleton's  hand  with  a  cringing  air  most  foreign 
to  his  usual  pompous  manner. 

"  You  had  my  letters,"  said  Tarleton,  following 
his  host  inside  the  mansion,  as  Moncriffe  led  the 
way  to  the  library.  "  I  hope  that  every  arrange 
ment  is  made  for  my  speedy  bridal,  as  't  is  only  by 
great  pressure  that  I  am  able  to  absent  myself 
from  the  field,  as  most  important  military  opera- 


254  A  PRETTY  TORY 

tions  in  the  Carolinas  demand  my  return  almost 
immediately.  How  and  where  is  my  fair  bride  ?  " 

"  She  is  well,"  stammered  Moncriffe,  as  Tarle- 
ton  flung  himself  into  a  chair  and  looked  him  im 
patiently  in  the  face.  "  I  would  that  your  where 
abouts  had  been  known,  for  I  wished  to  answer 
your  favor  sent  by  Burt." 

"  And  wherefore,  sir  ?  Surely  there  had  been 
time  enough  for  preparation  ?  There  is  a  limit  to 
my  patience,"  and  a  fiery  spark  lit  in  Tarleton's 
dark  eyes. 

"I  —  I  —  cannot  —  in  short,  sir,  deeply  as  I 
regret  to  say  it,  I  find  that  although  I  would  will 
ingly  bestow  my  daughter's  hand  upon  you,  she 
still  refuses  her  consent  to  go  with  you  to  the 
altar." 

"  By  God  !  sir,"  cried  Tarleton,  hot  with  anger, 
"was  not  our  little  arrangement  made  with  due 
attention  to  detail  ?  Must  I  rehearse  its  provi 
sions  again  ?  In  consideration  of  my  silence  in  re 
gard  to  your  nefarious  operations  extending  over 
some  years,  during  which  you  have  repeatedly  and 
by  stealth  sold  into  slavery  hundreds  of  negroes 
employed  by  the  government,  and  pocketed  the 
proceeds,  amounting  to  thousands  of  pounds,"  - 

"  Hold  !  "  murmured  the  miserable  man  ;  "  you 
need  not  repeat  it  " 

—  "  In  addition  to  this  crime,  which  places  you 
within  the  power  of  the  law,  you  deliberately  falsified 
my  accounts  six  months  ago,  —  the  paper  falling 
into  my  hands,  and  "  — 


WHO  WINS?  255 

"  You  told  me  it  was  destroyed,"  faltered  Mon 
criffe.  "  Oh,  spare  me  "  — 

"  I  hold  you  to  the  terms  of  our  compact :  your 
daughter's  hand,  sir,  or  I  publish  to  the  world  your 
private  career.  You  have  held  high  estate  too  long 
for  such  villainies  ;  't  will  afford  a  fine  scandal  for 
investigation  in  the  military  affairs  of  this  province." 

Moncriffe  clutched  the  table  near  which  he  stood 
to  save  himself  from  falling,  as  a  rap  sounded 
softly  on  the  door  of  the  room,  and  Margot  ap 
peared  upon  the  threshold. 

"  If  ye  please,  sir/'  she  said,  respectfully  ad 
dressing  Colonel  Moncriffe,  "  my  young  leddy  is 
waiting  to  see  Colonel  Tarleton  in  the  drawing- 
room." 

"  I  follow  you,"  said  Tarleton,  rising,  and  smooth 
ing  his  countenance  as  if  by  magic,  he  left  the 
room  without  a  glance  at  its  miserable  master,  who 
sank  trembling  into  the  nearest  chair. 

Geraldine  rose  from  her  seat  in  a  high-backed 
carved  dhair  as  Tarleton  entered,  and  never  had 
she  seemed  more  beautiful  or  more  stately  to  his 
passionate,  admiring  gaze.  The  sunshine  from 
the  open  window  played  and  flickered  over  her  won 
derful  ruddy  hair  and  lost  itself  in  the  folds  of 
her  white  gown  as  she  gave  him  her  hand  with  her 
own  peculiar  grace. 

"  I  sent  for  you,  Colonel  Tarleton,"  she  said,  as 
he,  in  almost  involuntary  homage,  threw  himself 
on  one  knee  before  her,  "  because  I  wish  to  spare 
my  father  the  pain  that  I  am  aware  my  present 


256  A  PRETTY  TORY 

action  will  cause  him.  Had  I  only  known  how  a 
dispatch  could  reach  you  I  should  not  have  allowed 
you  to  come  upon  this  bootless  errand.  My  letters 
must  have  prepared  you  for  this  avowal ;  I  have 
never  felt  for  you  one  particle  of  affection,  and 
unless  my  heart  goes  with  my  hand  I  will  never 
bestow  either  upon  mortal  man." 

Tarleton  sprang  to  his  feet.  "Can  nothing 
move  you  ?  "  he  cried.  "  Geraldine,  I  adore  you 
with  a  love  far  exceeding  your  wildest  imagination. 
Many,  many  times  have  I  uttered  vows  of  devo 
tion,  but  they  came  only  from  my  lips  —  they  were 
but  the  passing  emotion  of  the  hour,  caused  by  the 
senses  ;  they  died  the  death  of  ephemeral  passion, 
and  like  the  whirlwind  vanished  into  air.  Your 
purity,  your  calm  serenity,  is  to  me  like  a  draught 
of  water  to  a  dying  man.  Your  beauty,  while  it 
fires  my  imagination,  fills  me  with  awe  lest  by  a 
word  too  much  I  brush  the  delicate  bloom  off  your 
innocent  cheek.  Doom  me  not  to  despair,  for  I 
swear  to  you  that  unless  I  can  possess  you  no  other 
woman  shall  ever  be  led  to  the  altar  by  Banastre 
Tarleton." 

Well  was  it  said  of  Tarleton  that  he  knew  how 
to  sway  the  human  heart,  and  to  do  him  justice, 
for  the  first  and  only  time  in  his  career  he  was 
sincere  in  his  masterly  effort  to  attain  his  purpose. 
No  woman  could  have  been  insensible  to  his  seduc 
tive  voice  and  manner,  and  Geraldine's  noble  and 
generous  nature  was  moved  almost  to  the  point  of 
surrender. 


WHO  WINS?  257 

"  Sir,"  she  said,  and  her  sweet  voice  trembled, 
"  if  there  were  but  one  spark  of  affection,  how 
ever  dim,  in  my  breast  for  you,  your  words  would 
light  the  flame.  I  cannot  but  feel  that  I  have  been 
in  fault  in  allowing  my  father  and  you  to  persuade 
me  to  give  you  false  hopes,  and  for  that  I  crave 
your  forgiveness.  And  perhaps  I  am  all  the  more 
culpable  in  my  own  eyes  " —  a  burning,  beautiful 
blush  dyed  her  face  —  "  because  I  feel  it  my  duty 
to  confess  that  for  years  another  has  filled  my  heart 
beyond  hope  of  change." 

"  And  that  other,"  cried  Tarleton,  rage  taking 
violent  possession  of  him,  "  that  other  is  —  nay, 
madam,  you  do  not  need  to  speak  his  name  —  a 
rebel,  in  arms  against  your  king ;  whose  life,  in  a 
moment  of  foolish  generosity,  I  spared  at  your 
request." 

Geraldine  surveyed  him  for  an  instant  in  silence. 
"  If  my  recollection  serves,  Captain  Telfair  spared 
you,  —  at  his  sword's  point,  —  and  moreover,  sir, 
my  gratitude  to  you  in  that  matter  is  somewhat 
obscured  by  the  knowledge  that  while  promising 
me  that  your  prisoner's  life  was  accorded  him,  you 
sent  secret  advices  to  Colonel  Prevost  which,  had 
not  Captain  Telfair  fortunately  made  his  escape, 
would  have  resulted  in  his  being  shot  upon  arrival 
at  the  fort.  I  think,  sir,  that  it  were  well  to  omit 
both  generosity  and  gratitude  in  your  account  of 
the  matter  and  to  bring  this  interview  to  a  close." 

Tarleton  stood  transfixed  as  her  scornful  words 
lashed  him.  How  had  she  ever  learned  that  secret 


258  A  PRETTY  TORY 

which  he  thought  buried  in  his  own  breast  ?  But 
as  he  started  forward  to  detain  her,  the  door 
opened  and  Colonel  Moncriffe  entered. 

"  Geraldine,  my  child,"  he  began,  "  I  have  come 
to  add  my  persuasions  " 

"  Pray  spare  yourself  the  exertion."  Tarleton's 
sneer  was  deadly  in  its  significance.  "  I  do  not 
now  care  to  enter  the  family  of  a  man  whom  I 
know  to  be  "-  —the  words  were  frozen  on  his  lips, 
for  with  an  awful  cry  which  rang  through  the 
house,  Moncriffe  fell  forward  at  Geraldine's  feet, 
dead  before  he  touched  the  floor. 


CHAPTER  XX 

THE   REBEL   BLUE 

"  I  DO  by  no  means  agree  with  you,"  said  Lady 
Dolly  decidedly ;  "  the  palest  shade  of  lavender  by 
all  means,  and  if  you  must  have  a  dash  of  blue  to 
do  honor  to  the  occasion,  wear  it  as  a  breast-knot. 
'T  will  be  a  delicate  compliment  in  more  ways  than 
one,"  and  the  fair,  but  mischievous  dame  leaned 
back  in  her  chair  and  regarded  Geraldine  with 
eyes  that  twinkled  with  enjoyment. 

There  was  bustle  and  hurry  in  the  streets  of 
Savannah,  and  in  the  offing  lay  a  score  of  vessels, 
making  ready  to  sail  as  the  sun  set  over  a  new  and 
ransomed  province.  For  in  the  eighteen  months 
since  the  star  of  victory  shone  over  Cowpens,  there 
had  been  little  pause  in  the  march  of  events  which 
freed  Georgia  and  the  Carolinas  from  the  cruel 
despotism  of  Cornwallis  and  Tarleton,  and  crowned 
with  triumph  the  patriots  of  the  South  when  the 
American  forces  met  at  Yorktown. 

But  although  not  enough  troopers  to  form  a 
corporal's  guard  were  left  in  the  sister  provinces 
after  the  conflict  at  Eutaw  Springs  (of  which  Fox 
said  in  the  House  of  Commons  "another  such 


260  A  PRETTY  TORY 

victory  would  ruin  the  British  army"),  the  British 
still  continued  to  hold  with  unrelenting  grasp  the 
cities  of  Savannah  and  Charleston,  and  Roy  Tel- 
fair  was  still  with  his  beloved  leader  Marion,  and 
had  escaped  unhurt  from  many  a  skirmish  with 
his  implacable  foe,  Tarleton,  who,  commanding  at 
Gloucester  when  Cornwallis  surrendered  his  army 
at  Yorktown,  was  compelled  to  take  refuge  under 
the  protection  of  the  French  general,  Choise, 
because  he  dared  not  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
American  militia,  and  had  gotten  safely  away  to 
England,  where  he  was  rewarded  for  his  services 
to  the  crown  by  being  sent  to  Parliament  and 
created  a  baronet.  But  after  he  set  sail  a  letter 
came  by  private  hand  to  Geraldine. 

ON  BOARD  H.  M.  SHIP  HORNET. 

LOVELY  AND  BELOVED  MISTRESS  (it  ran), 
— When  these  Lines  are  read  by  Eyes  more  beau 
tiful  than  the  Sea,  more  witching  than  those  of 
Argive  Helen,  thy  wretched  Tarleton  will  be  far 
away  never  to  return  to  These  pestilent  Shores. 
Would  that  my  Pen  were  a  quill  of  the  fabled 
Swan  that  it  might  Sing  thy  Praises  and  my  De 
spair  !  For  while  I  Threatened  I  Adored,  and  I 
think  of  Thee  in  sorrow  and  alone,  and  Curse  fate 
who  Separates  us.  Oh,  Mistress  of  Tarleton's 
heart,  deign  Sometimes  to  drop  a  tear  such  as  may 
wet  the  Eye  of  Purity  for  even  the  most  miser 
able  of  mankind,  and  as  it  falls  Remember  him 
who  while  Life  lasts  will  gain  his  only  glimpse  of 


THE  KEBEL  BLUE  261 

Heaven  as  his  sad  Eyes  dwell  upon  the  pictured 
Face  of  Her  whom  he  leaves,  and  leaving,  still 
Adores.  Thy  lover, 

BANASTRE  TARLETON. 

Geraldine  laid  the  letter  down  with  a  throb  of 
pity  for  the  strange  contradictions  which  went  to 
make  up  a  character  at  once  fascinating  and  re 
pulsive,  ungoverned,  yet  at  times  restrained  and 
always  of  meteor-like  brilliancy.  And  through 
a  life  prolonged  beyond  the  years  of  most  men, 
Tarleton  kept  faith  with  his  American  love,  for 
when  he  died,  a  solitary  recluse,  there  hung  beside 
his  bed,  where  his  last  look  could  rest  upon  it,  a 
miniature,  on  the  back  of  which  in  faded  writing 
was  inscribed  "  The  Fair  Geraldine." 

When  the  tragedy  of  Colonel  Moncriffe's  death 
had  shocked  all  Savannah,  the  first  to  come  to 
Geraldine  were  Eose  and  Madam  Telfair,  and  then 
Lady  Dolly,  whose  madcap  brain  was  balanced  by 
her  warm  heart,  and  when  after  the  funeral,  she 
ventured  to  suggest  that  perhaps  her  presence 
at  Glenmoira  might  be  of  use,  Geraldine  caught 
eagerly  at  the  idea  and  begged  her  to  stay  on  the 
plantation.  For  Lady  Dolly  was  in  no  way  con 
nected  with  any  thought  which  gave  pain  to  her 
young  hostess,  and  her  tact  and  good  taste  soon 
made  her  a  reigning  favorite  at  Glenmoira,  for,  as 
Margot  shrewdly  observed,  "  Her  Ladyship  was  na 
precisely  ane  thing  or  t'ither,  being  a  gude  Tory 
wi'  fine  Whig  principles." 


262  A  PRETTY  TORY 

So,  to-day,  as  the  friends  sat  in  Geraldine's 
morning  room,  the  point  under  discussion  was  the 
ceremony  which  was  to  be  enacted  at  sunset  in 
Savannah,  for  the  British  general,  Clarke,  had 
concluded  his  negotiations  with  General  Wayne 
for  the  surrender  of  the  city  to  the  American 
forces,  and  the  keys  were  to  be  delivered  by  the 
British  commander  at  the  principal  gate,  where  the 
formal  surrender  would  take  place  in  the  presence 
of  both  British  and  American  soldiers  and  the 
entire  population  of  Savannah.  Major  Haber- 
sl HUM.  an  officer  of  the  Georgia  legion  and  a  dis 
tinguished  patriot,  had  invited  the  Telfairs  and 
Geraldine  to  witness  the  surrender  of  the  keys, 
and  as  Lady  Dolly  vowed  she  could  not  see  the 
ceremony,  she  was  to  be  left  at  the  plantation  to 
await  Geraldine's  return. 

Geraldine  was  standing  beside  her  bed,  con 
templating  two  gowns  which  were  laid  there  for 
her  inspection  by  Margot,  who  stood  listening  re 
spectfully  while  the  discussion  went  on.  Geraldine 
inclined  to  the  white,  Lady  Dolly  to  the  lavender, 
and  finally  Margot  fastened  the  soft  clinging  stuff 
around  her  young  mistress'  graceful  form  and  stood 
back,  while  Geraldine  surveyed  herself  in  the  mir 
ror  and  blushed  like  a  rose  at  her  own  beauty. 

"  Aye,"  quoth  Lady  Dolly,  holding  her  at  arms' 
length,  "  you  have  found  your  colors  at  last. 
Strange  how  the  wheel  of  fortune  turns.  I  wonder 
who  will  take  part  in  the  procession  to-day  ?  " 

"  How  can  I  tell  ?  "  answered  Geraldine,  as  Mar- 


THE  REBEL  BLUE  263 

got  fetched  the  big  hat  with  its  white  plumes, 
which  gave  the  added  touch  of  the  picturesque  to 
her  charming  toilet.  "  Oh,  Margot,  hasten  ;  I  hear 
the  wheels  ;  that  must  be  the  Telfairs'  chariot.  I 
did  not  know  they  meant  to  come  for  me ;  tell 
Jumbo  to  follow  us  closely,  for  I  must  return  with 
him.  I  do  not  wish  to  fetch  Rose  so  far  out  of  her 
way  again,"  and  with  a  kiss  and  a  smile  Geraldine 
said  farewell  to  Lady  Dolly  and  sped  away  down 
the  staircase. 

Seated  in  the  chariot,  drawn  by  two  fine  bays, 
was  Madam  Telfair.  Rose,  she  explained,  had 
gone  into  the  city  at  an  earlier  hour  with  her  fa 
ther,  and  then  Madam  Telfair  checked  her  speech 
suddenly ;  there  was  one  piece  of  news  which 
she  had  been  carefully  warned  not  to  carry  to 
Geraldine. 

The  city  was  in  gala  dress,  but  in  what  un 
wonted  colors !  From  every  house  as  they  drove 
slowly  along  (for  the  crowd  filled  the  sidewalks 
and  overflowed  into  the  roadway)  the  buff  and  the 
blue  floated  joyously,  and  at  last  the  horses  drew 
up  a  few  hundred  yards  from  the  city  gate.  Out 
on  the  bay  the  little  white-capped  waves  tossed 
and  played,  the  fort  stood  silent  and  grim  in  the 
sunshine,  and  on  shore,  lined  up,  were  the  garri 
son,  their  scarlet  coats  making  a  brilliant  bit  of 
color  in  the  picture  upon  which  Geraldine  gazed 
with  quickening  breath  and  wide,  shining  eyes. 
Every  one  she  knew  was  in  that  long  line  of  char 
iots  and  foot  passengers,  and  presently  outside 


264  A'  PRETTY  TORY 

the  town  came  the  long,  sweet  notes  of  the  bugles 
which  told  that  the  patrols  were  approaching. 

Leaning  back  in  the  chariot,  far  down  the  line, 
sat  Rose  Telfair,  but  though  her  heart  beat  high 
with  joy,  there  was  an  undertone  which,  disdain 
as  she  would,  caused  her  to  bite  her  lips  and  turn 
aside  as  she  recognized  in  the  crowd  just  beyond 
the  Durbeville  girls,  and  saw  a  figure  she  knew 
well  pause  to  speak  to  them.  Truly,  it  was  hardly 
becoming  that  Allastar  Murray  should  even  be 
present  at  this  ceremony  ;  she  was  glad,  of  course, 
that  he  had  come  to  his  senses  sufficiently  to  un 
derstand  that  she  could  have  naught  to  do  with  a 
swain  who  retained  his  Tory  principles,  but  surely 
Molly  Durbeville  was  not —  And  then  Rose's 
reflections  came  to  a  sudden  and  speedy  end,  for 
a  hand  was  laid  on  the  sill  of  the  window  close 
by  hers  and  a  voice  she  had  longed  to  hear  said,  — 

"  Have  you  no  word  of  farewell  for  me,  sweet 
cousin  ?  I  sought  you  at  Dumblane  this  morning, 
but  you  had  left  for  the  city." 

"  Farewell !  "  echoed  Rose,  with  a  start,  as  she 
met  the  eyes  regarding  her  so  closely,  "  surely ; 
and  a  pleasant  voyage  to  you.  When  do  you 
sail?" 

"  Sir  James  has  preceded  me  to  New  York  and 
keeps  passage  for  me  there,  because  " 

"  Because  you  cannot  quite  make  up  your  mind 
whether  you  prefer  old  England  to  our  newer, 
freer  life  in  the  provinces,"  said  Rose,  with  curl 
ing  lip  ;  why  did  something  rise  in  her  throat  and 


THE   REBEL  BLUE  265 

swell  up  in  her  eyes  ?  She  dropped  them  as  she 
spoke,  and  to  her  infinite  chagrin  a  bright  tear  es 
caped  between  the  long  lashes,  and  fell  glittering 
on  the  hand  which  lay,  big  and  brown,  on  the 
window-sill. 

"  Rose,"  — the  bugles  were  sounding  nearer  and 
nearer,  and  every  head  was  turned  toward  the  ap 
proaching  music,  —  "  little  Whig  and  rebel  that 
you  are,  do  you  not  know  that  one  word  from  you 
will  make  me  stay,  aye,  even  in  a  far  less  attrac 
tive  land  and  life  than  this  which  you  have  taught 
me  to  love  ?  " 

Rose  caught  her  breath,  and  AUastar  Murray 
bent  his  head  almost  to  the  pretty  cheek  as  she 
granted  his  request  in  her  own  sweet  fashion. 
"  Stay  —  and  see  our  troops  come  in.  I  will  even 
make  room  for  you  in  the  chariot."  Then,  as  he 
hesitated,  half  afraid  to  believe  his  own  good  for 
tune,  "  Stay,  unless  you  would  break  my  heart," 
said  she. 

Outside  the  gate  came  the  tramp  of  horses'  feet, 
and  in  the  open,  as  the  troops  parted  to  admit  the 
Americans,  stood  General  Clarke,  keys  in  hand. 
At  the  head  of  the  incoming  column  rode  Colonel 
Jackson,  who  had  been  delegated  by  General 
Wayne  to  receive  the  surrender,  and  as  the  horse 
men  passed  each  other  hat  in  hand,  there  rang  out 
from  the  shore  the  deep-mouthed  bay  of  the  can 
non  in  the  salute  of  thirteen  guns.  Down  from 
the  flagstaff  on  the  fort  fluttered  the  English  en 
sign,  and  in  its  place  there  floated  over  a  free 


266  A    PRETTY  TORY 

city  freedom's  own  banner,  —  the  Stars  and  Stripes 
of  the  United  States. 

Cheer  upon  cheer  greeted  the  little  band  of  regu 
lars  as  they  swung  along,  but  when  to  the  eyes 
of  the  delighted  crowd  there  came  —  his  famous 
Indian  scouts  Ossaba  and  Laceola,  leading  the 
way  with  their  free  proud  step  —  a  small,  but  con 
spicuous  figure,  followed  by  the  well-known  and 
well-beloved  Rangers,  a  shout  fairly  rent  the  air 
of  "  Marion  !  Marion  !  "  as  the  gallant  partisan, 
bending  to  his  saddle-bow,  rode  along,  compelled 
to  halt  for  the  hands  stretched  out  to  clasp  his 
and  the  blessings  that  were  invoked  by  every  voice 
upon  the  Defender  of  the  South. 

Geraldine,  her  hands  clasped,  the  swift  blood 
surging  to  and  fro  in  her  lovely  face,  maintained 
her  composure  until  she  caught  sight  of  Laceola, 
as  the  Indian  girl  led  the  Rangers.  Then  an  over 
powering  timidity  seized  her,  and  seeing  that 
Madam  Telfair  was  bending  forward,  all  intent 
upon  the  pageant,  Geraldine  quickly  opened  the 
door  of  the  chariot,  and  fled,  absolutely  fled,  a  few 
steps  behind,  where  she  knew  Jumbo  was  waiting 
for  his  mistress.  Without  pausing  for  reflection 
she  sprang  into  the  chariot,  and  crouching  low 
among  the  cushions,  gave  the  order  to  the  sur 
prised  and  much  disappointed  Jumbo  :  — 

"  Home !  take  the  back  streets  and  hasten 
quickly." 

There  was  that  in  her  tone  which  made  the 
black  obey,  and  in  a  few  minutes  Geraldine  found 


THE  REBEL  BLUE  267 

herself,  dizzy  and  panting  from  the  terror  of  her 
newborn  emotions,  rolling  along  as  rapidly  as  the 
horses  could  carry  her,  while  behind  her  came  the 
shouts  and  booming  guns  of  a  rejoicing  people. 
But  just  as  they  turned  into  the  avenue  at  Glen- 
moira  the  reaction  came  ;  how  could  she  be  so  un 
gracious,  —  so  unloving,  —  what  would  Roy  think, 

—  Roy,  whom  she  had  not  seen  since  that  never  to 
be  forgotten  night  in  the  governor's  garden,  when 
she  had  learned  that  all  the  heart  she  had  was  his ; 

—  and  to  flee  from  him  thus.     Oh,  surely  she  had 
been  mad ;  and  she  wrung  her  hands  in  dismay  as 
she  wondered  what  spirit  of  perversity  had   pos 
sessed  her. 

The  horses  halted  before  the  door,  but  as  Geral- 
dine  sprang  from  the  chariot  her  quick  ear  caught 
the  sound  of  ringing  hoof  beats  as  they  came  tear 
ing  up  the  avenue  in  pursuit,  and  before  she  could 
collect  her  bewildered  senses  sufficiently  to  assume 
the  dignified  and  proper  demeanor  befitting  the 
occasion,  the  reins  were  flung  on  the  neck  of  the 
panting  horse,  and  Roy's  dear  merry  eyes  were 
gazing  into  hers,  and  his  triumphant  voice  ringing 
in  her  ear,  — 

"  Traitress  —  to  flout  me  thus  !  Nay,  just  one 
kiss  to  bid  me  welcome  to  my  own." 

And  so  Margot  and  Lady  Dolly  found  them, 
and  Geraldine  was  fain  to  forget  her  dignity,  and 
submit  to  be  led  up  the  staircase  by  this  lordly 
young  lover,  who  gave  her  no  time  to  abdicate  from 
her  woman's  throne. 


268  A  PRETTY  TORY 

Two  days  after  there  was  a  grand  dinner  at 
Glenmoira,  which  no  untoward  incident  inter 
rupted,  where  Marion  himself  graced  the  board, 
where  toasts  and  speeches  were  the  order  of  the 
hour,  and  the  health  of  the  "  Blue  Bell  of  Scot 
land"  was  drunk  with  three  times  three,  and 
where  Roy  Telfair,  radiant  young  bridegroom, 
toasted  his  bride,  in  teasing,  playful  fashion,  with 
a  rhyme  which  has  come  down,  losing  none  of  its 
quaint  flavor,  to  this  generation  :  — 

"  Say,  pretty  Tory,  coy  as  fair, 
Of  the  King's  colors  be  you  ware, 
When  in  those  eyes  of  heaven's  own  hue, 
Reluctant  smiles  the  Rebel  blue  ' " 


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UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

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MAR  26  195 
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